The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has now issued a clarification on taxation of the things one comes with into the country, from a trip abroad.
According to acting Deputy Commissioner, Policy and International Affairs, David Ontweka, they will only tax goods purchased outside the country.
He went on to clarify that such goods can only be tax if their value exceeds $500 (Sh75,500) and if they are more than one item and valued at $500.
"I have seen something which is coming out as if we are taxing everything that you are coming with," Ontweka said on Citizen TV.
"When you travel out of the country when you come back you'll always come with the clothes and bags you went with but where you purchase goods of a value of USD500, which are more than one, then you are required to declare the rest for purposes of tax."
His clarification follows an uproar by some Kenyans after the taxman on Monday said all imported goods whether new or used are subject to taxation.
"All goods whether new or used, are subject to taxation. However different passenger categories have different concessions and entitlements," the statement read.
However, the directive is not a new import rule as it has been in existence under the Customs and Border Control Department – East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004, which was revised in 2019.
Under the rule, customs duty applies to all goods brought into the country, save for exceptions provided by law, among them the cap on the value of personal and household goods.
However, a clause that gives customs officers the powers to determine the value of goods and their taxable status is seen as a gap to impose taxes where they should not apply, amid cries of harassment by customs officials.
Kenyans have taken to social media to complain about the tax regime and potential gaps that have left passengers at loggerheads with customs officials.
