The government has announced a public auction for unclaimed goods that their owners apparently abandoned at a warehouse in Mombasa. This auction was detailed in a gazette notice, urging owners to settle their dues, or the storage facility would proceed with the public sale.

Owners have been given 30 days to clear their dues, or they risk losing their property. The gazette notice also mentioned that if the deadline is not met, the auction will take place online.

“Notice is given that unless the under-mentioned goods are entered and removed from the custody of the Customs Warehouse Keeper, Container Freight Stations, Mombasa, within thirty days of this notice, they may be sold by public auction on 23rd October 2024, 24th October 2024 and 25th October 2024 via online auction,” the government notice read.

Among the items listed are vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Toyota, and Volvo, along with other goods. Interested buyers are encouraged to physically view the items at the Mombasa Freight Station during working hours on October 21st and 22nd.

The government’s decision is legally justified, as the goods have been stored in the customs facility for over 30 days without being collected by their owners. According to the law, perishable items can even be sold off without notifying the owners.

What you need to know before buying vehicles, houses, goods on auction sales

“Where any goods which have been deposited in a Customs warehouse are not lawfully removed within thirty days after deposit, then the Commissioner shall give notice by publication in the Gazette that unless such goods are removed within thirty days from the date of notice they shall be deemed to have been abandoned to Customs for sale by public auction and may be sold in such manner as the Commissioner may deem fit,” the East African Community Customs Management Act reads in part.

“Provided that any such goods which are of a perishable nature, or are animals, may be sold by the proper officer without notice, either by public auction or by private treaty, at any time after deposit in the Customs warehouse,” it adds on.