Two US passengers arriving at the JKIA arrivals terminus were left distressed when KRA Customs Officials detained them to inspect their luggage upon their arrival from New York.

The matter, which was captured on video without their consent, escalated when the KRA official noticed the US citizen’s perfume inside his bag.

The official was heard asking about the perfume before proceeding to inspect for more expensive items in their bags.

The American visitor, who appeared visibly irked and angry at the KRA official, explained that the perfume gifts were for his family in Kenya.

“We don’t want to be harassed just because we are bringing gifts for our family who live in Kenya,” he said, explaining that he did not understand the need for his luggage to go through several checks.

“Coming from America, these bags were checked, coming here, this was checked, so now we have to check again, which is very unprofessional,” he complained.

KRA: Couple arriving at JKIA was asked to pay tax for wedding dress and they did

Recently, there has been a wave of outrage due to the directive issued by KRA, imposing taxes on personal goods & household items worth Sh. 75,000 ($500) and above.

This is regardless of whether the goods are used or newly bought, by both Kenyans and tourists. KRA previously asserted its intention to enforce the law as specified in the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).

“As per the law, new items/goods up to the value of $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.