The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 46 tonnes of sugar suspected to have been smuggled into the country in Lodwar, Turkana County, and intercepted two other consignments in Kakamega County.
The seizures were made during intelligence-led operations targeting the illegal movement of sugar through Kenya’s border routes and other vulnerable corridors.
In Lodwar, KRA’s Investigation and Enforcement Team intercepted two lorries carrying 920 bags of sugar, each weighing 50kg, at about 2am on Thursday.
The consignment, branded Kaliro, has an estimated tax implication of Sh9.73 million.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the sugar was smuggled from Moroto, Uganda, through the Nadapal border crossing without payment of the applicable taxes or completion of the required customs procedures.
In a statement, KRA said the operation was part of its efforts to disrupt smuggling networks, protect government revenue and prevent unfair competition against businesses that comply with tax laws.
In a separate operation in Kakamega County, enforcement officers intercepted a Probox carrying 30 bags of brown sugar, each weighing 50kg.
The consignment, valued at about KSh1.524 million, was seized and the vehicle taken to Matungu Police Station, where it and the exhibits were detained.
In another incident in Matungu, officers intercepted a lorry suspected of transporting smuggled sugar along Mumias Road.
The driver failed to stop when officers flagged down the vehicle for a compliance check, prompting a pursuit. The driver and two other occupants later abandoned the lorry and fled on foot.
Police arrested one of the suspects, who was taken into custody to assist with investigations.
An inspection of the abandoned vehicle found 100 bags of sugar, each weighing 50kg. The consignment was valued at Sh500,000, while the estimated taxes at risk amounted to Sh3,002,500.
KRA said the three interceptions demonstrated its continued use of intelligence-led enforcement to curb smuggling and protect the country’s tax base.
The authority said it was strengthening surveillance along border routes and other corridors vulnerable to the illegal movement of high-demand goods, particularly sugar.
It is also implementing measures to improve compliance and protect legitimate trade following changes to the taxation of imported sugar under the Finance Act, 2026.
The applicable excise duty on imported sugar is Sh40 per kilogramme.
KRA said a punitive charge of Sh460 or 100 per cent, whichever is higher, applies to illegally imported sugar seized by the authority.
The authority warned individuals and businesses involved in transporting, distributing or selling uncustomed goods that they risk seizure of the goods and vehicles, financial penalties and prosecution.
It also urged members of the public to report suspected smuggling and tax evasion through its established reporting channels.
KRA said timely information from the public was vital in disrupting smuggling networks, protecting government revenue and ensuring fair competition for compliant businesses.
Leave a comment