A crane hoists a container at Port Reitz Station on the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Mombasa ON July 9, 2026. [AFP]
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has raised its customs benchmark value for consolidated cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, and is now extending compliance checks to traders reselling goods in informal markets.
The revised benchmark took effect on August 20, KRA said in a media brief released on Tuesday, closing what the authority described as a transitional period following consultations with industry.
KRA uses the benchmark as a minimum reference value when calculating customs taxes on a standard 40-foot consolidated container.
Where the actual value of goods exceeds Sh3.2 million, importers must declare the higher figure and pay taxes accordingly.
"This is not about targeting small traders. It is about creating a level playing field where businesses compete fairly," said KRA.
The authority has also reminded traders that customs compliance does not end at the port. Traders who resell consolidated cargo in markets such as Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Nyamakima and Toy Market must meet business registration, electronic invoicing and income declaration requirements.