Tourism and Wildlife CS Alfred Mutua (2nd right) with the Commissioner-General of Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) Humphrey Wattanga (right) check the systems when they toured the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA), Nairobi on November 7, 2023 on customer care handling. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Mutua said that weapons and firearms whose sales in Kenya are limited and subject to government clearance should not be allowed to enter the country without proper authorization.

"Kenya is a peaceful and hospitable country, but we cannot afford to compromise our security by allowing illegal arms and explosives to enter our borders. We have to be vigilant and alert at all times," Mutua said.

KRA Passenger Terminus Manager at JKIA, Sally Sarem, explained that the passenger clearance process involves disembarkation of passengers, port health, immigration, baggage hall (customs), and exit.

On Thursday, KRA clarified that used personal effects, items, and goods valued up to USD 500 (Sh75,000) are exempt from customs duties and import tax.

But, the taxman has revealed that plans are underway to review the law to include a higher limit.

"As per the law affecting all East African Countries, goods of up to the value of USD 500 for each traveler are exempted from import tax, in so far as the baggage is accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer. However, KRA is in the process of reviewing this regulation to a higher limit," the statement read in part.

The Authority explained that the scanning of traveler's luggage only aims at ensuring correct declarations for the purpose of taxation, and also to screen out prohibited and restricted goods.

"Items flagged out after the first line x-ray/non-intrusive scanning process will undergo a physical inspection by the Customs Officer," it said, adding that it is in the process incorporating technology to enhance non-intrusive inspection of baggage at all points of entry.