The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has broken silence over a social media report on the harassment of a couple who landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with a wedding dress that was valued at over USD500 (Sh. 75,000).
This was after a Kenyan who identified as Jackie Arkle made a report about the harassment of the couple who were her clients.
“Our clients arrived last night from the US. They are US citizens here for their destination wedding. As they were exiting the arrivals, the bride to be was asked to open her suitcase which she duly did. This was the beggining of their nightmare. They were rudely told that her wedding dress was of commercial value and they must pay duty on it,” she said.
“They showed their passports and tickets that they were here for their wedding and would be flying back. The customs harassed and intimidated them that the wedding dress was of commercial value locally and must…wait for it…they must pay 2000$.”
She added that the couple didn’t have the money and was asked to leave the wedding dress behind.
“The groom who is caucasian was not even asked to show his suit..the bride who is black got the brunt of the harrasment We have totally lost it!!” she said.
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In response, KRA said that the incident did occur, but not claimed that it was not as Jackie explained it.
“We acknowledge the incident took place in September 2023. The wedding dress in question was valued at $2000, which exceeded the allowable limit of $500 for duty-free items,” said KRA.
“According to the relevant customs laws, it was indeed subject to duty. We are pleased to inform you that the couple, upon understanding the tax requirements, paid the necessary taxes and complied with the regulations.”
KRA added that it is responsible for implementing the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and other relevant tax laws.
“As per the law, new items/goods up to the value of USD 500 for each traveller are exempted from import tax. We aim to uphold these regulations fairly and consistently for the benefit of our country and its citizens,” said KRA.
