Ex-Epra boss Daniel Kiptoo fights auction of imported farm equipment

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to auction over 2,500 packages of farm equipment linked to former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) boss Daniel Kiptoo after they overstayed at a customs warehouse. The equipment, belonging to Tarita Farm Limited and Tarita Dairies, was imported for use in the agricultural sector. KRA issued a notice on October 28, warning that it would auction the consignments unless they were claimed within 30 days.

The equipment includes 3,150 packages of poultry equipment for layers and broilers, and 174 packages of dairy plant equipment. The consignments arrived at the Nairobi depot between January 30 and February 12, 2026. According to the Kenya Gazette notice, the goods were being held at Chai Logistics Centre in Nairobi, where importers are allowed 14 days of free storage. Daily charges apply after the free storage period, with storage fees set at $35 for a 20-foot container and $75 for a 40-foot container per day.

Mr Kiptoo, a lawyer and energy-sector specialist, resigned from Epra in 2026 following a fuel importation scandal. He is also embroiled in several disputes with his siblings over various properties. In one dispute, the High Court restrained Tarita Farm and Mr Kiptoo from developing prime land in Uasin Gishu until a succession case is determined. The restraining order was issued in favour of Loice Jerop Bargoria, who sued to stop her brother and Tarita Farm from constructing a petrol station or undertaking other commercial developments on their father's land.

Tarita Farm and Tarita Dairies are subsidiaries of Eldoret-based Tarita Group Limited, a company linked to Mr Kiptoo. The companies are struggling to clear the consignments of imported equipment, which may attract import duty, value added tax (VAT), and other charges. Ordinarily, imported machinery and equipment may attract import duty at rates determined by their classification under the East African Community Common External Tariff, as well as the standard 16 percent VAT.

Larry Liza, the KRA's chief manager at the Inland Container Depot in Syokimau, said unclaimed goods would be disposed of through a public auction scheduled to run from December 14 to December 17, 2026. The auction is pursuant to the provisions of section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as amended. Mr Liza stated that notice was given that unless the under-mentioned goods are entered and removed from the custody of the customs warehouse keeper, Inland Container Depot Nairobi within thirty (30) days of the notice.

Mr Kiptoo did not respond to questions on the intended use of the equipment or the total tax liabilities facing the two companies. Tarita Dairies, formed in 2021 in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County, deals in various dairy products, including fresh milk, yoghurt, fermented milk, cheese, and ice cream. The company's equipment was imported to support its dairy operations.

The KRA's auction of the imported equipment is set to proceed unless Tarita Farm and Tarita Dairies claim the goods within the stipulated timeframe. The equipment's intended use and the total tax liabilities facing the companies remain unclear. Mr Kiptoo's disputes with his siblings and his resignation from Epra have contributed to the complexities surrounding the auction.

Key points

• The KRA will auction over 2,500 packages of farm equipment linked to former Epra boss Daniel Kiptoo if they are not claimed within 30 days.
• The equipment, belonging to Tarita Farm Limited and Tarita Dairies, was imported for use in the agricultural sector.
• Mr Kiptoo is embroiled in several disputes with his siblings over various properties and resigned from Epra in 2026 following a fuel importation scandal.