NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 9 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has averted potential tax losses of Sh19 million after intercepting illicit goods worth more than Sh46 million in coordinated operations.
In one operation, a multi-agency team involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service (NPS), and local authorities seized 95 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes, each containing 190 packets, and 64 packets of Oris cigarettes.
The goods, with a market value of Sh29.3 million, would have led to a tax loss of Sh8.6 million, comprising Sh3.9 million in Excise Duty and Sh4.7 million in Value Added Tax (VAT).
Separately in Ngeria, Eldoret, officers raided an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant following intelligence reports on illicit production.
The crackdown led to the seizure of items valued at Sh17 million, including 24,000 counterfeit excise stamps, more than 600 bottles of branded and unbranded alcohol, about 100 liters of ethanol, 260 sticks of illicit cigarettes, and assorted packaging materials such as counterfeit labels, empty bottles, and large containers.
The haul prevented an estimated tax loss of Sh10.8 million. One suspect was arrested and remains in police custody pending legal proceedings. The seized items are secured at the KRA warehouse in Eldoret.
