Diaspora community protests harassment, double taxation at airports

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). [File, Standard]

The diaspora community has expressed dissatisfaction with the government's treatment at the country's airports, especially Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

They accuse airport officials of harassment, exorbitant taxation, invasion of privacy, and differential treatment compared to white passengers.

Mwaura Mwembu, Chairman of a 21-member committee representing over 1200 diaspora voices from the West coast in the USA, stated that the diaspora community is a primary economic pillar contributing immensely to the country's economic growth and should be respected.

"As the largest contributor to Kenya's foreign exchange reserves, our concerns deserve special reciprocal consideration. We are the Holstein cow that gives 34-liters of milk a day to Kenya, and our request is only to be handled with care. We wish the government and relevant stakeholders to note that we, the diaspora, have historically extended our hands of goodwill to the motherland, even though we often feel unappreciated and marginalized," he said in a press conference.

"We live abroad and have relatives expecting small gifts. We should be allowed to bring small gifts to our relatives, and when these gifts are pulled out, we are forced to pay full duty, disregarding the taxes paid when purchasing items abroad. The diaspora is happy to pay legitimate taxes but opposes this practice of double taxation," he added.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) directive to tax personal or household items worth $500 (about Sh75,000) and above, whether new or used, by tourists visiting the country has not sat well with visitors or local travelers.

The taxman stands accused of taking advantage of the directive to harass tourists, giving the country bad publicity.

In November, Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen convened the first multi-agency meeting at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) offices at JKIA to discuss improving service delivery.

They agreed to establish an airport charter bringing together immigration, police, port health, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), KAA, and sign it by the end of the month.

He said the charter aims to ensure passengers are accorded the dignity and respect they deserve, and their belongings are handled with grace.

Murkomen also stated that visitors at JKIA will not be required to alight from vehicles during the first round of screening, addressing a pain point highlighted by Kenyans on various social media platforms that result in long queues and delays.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua, in a separate media tour accompanied by top KRA officials, including Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga in November assured visitors that they will not be harassed, and bags will not be opened unless necessary.

Mutua emphasized that KRA has the mandate to be the last point of contact with visitors.

"If you're bringing prohibited or restricted goods, like drugs, guns, or drones, some of these will require a permit. If you're coming in with items taxable to sell, you will need to pay taxes, and the process is clear. The bag is scanned from outside before you board and before you exit," said Mutua.

Wattanga stated that KRA's mission is to ensure passengers are accorded the dignity and respect they deserve, and their belongings are handled with care.