The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has published notices listing hundreds of imported goods held at various warehouses across Nairobi and Mombasa for auction. The goods, which include vehicles, electronics, and agricultural chemicals, have overstayed their permitted storage periods at inland container depots and container freight stations. KRA warned that unclaimed items will be treated as abandoned and sold through an online portal. The notices were published in the Kenya Gazette on September 18, 2026.
The auctioned goods in Nairobi include blenders, ceramic cookware, SKD ovens, and coconut oil, among others. Consignees with goods held at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot have 30 days from the notice date to clear their items. Goods not removed in time will be sold through an online auction at ibid.kra.go.ke on October 19 to 23, 2026. Prospective buyers may view the goods on October 15 and 16, 2026, during office hours. The KRA's Customs and Border Control Department issued the notices under Section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
In Mombasa, the auction is scheduled for October 26 to 30, 2026, with viewing permitted on October 22 and 23. A separate auction covering the Kilindini Port Customs Warehouse and Mombasa Cluster B2 stations is set for November 2 to 6, 2026, with viewing on October 29 and 30. The Mombasa list includes dozens of imported motor vehicles, such as Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan models. Several consignees appear repeatedly, including Al Amaans International Ltd and Stanmore Holdings Limited.
The Mombasa listings cover a wide range of goods, including firefighting gear and helmets consigned to the Kenya National Fire Brigade Association, high-voltage circuit breakers for Kenya Power and Lighting Company, and solar street lights. Some consignments have been held for several years, with records showing certain lots were discharged as far back as 2009 and 2017. This indicates prolonged storage disputes or abandoned clearance attempts.
Larry Liza, Chief Manager of the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi, signed the Nairobi notice, while Maggie Awitta, Acting Chief Manager of Mombasa CFS, signed the Mombasa notices, both acting on behalf of the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control. The KRA's decision to auction the goods follows a warning to consignees to clear their items within the stipulated timeframe.
The auction will be conducted through an online portal, allowing buyers to participate remotely. The KRA has provided a search option on its website, enabling individuals to search for specific items. The revenue authority has urged consignees to clear their goods to avoid losing them to auction.
The Kenya Revenue Authority's move to auction the goods aims to decongest warehouses and reduce storage costs. The authority has also urged buyers to take advantage of the online auction to acquire goods at discounted prices. The auction is expected to generate significant revenue for the government.
Key points
- The Kenya Revenue Authority will auction hundreds of imported goods in Nairobi and Mombasa due to prolonged storage.
- The auctioned goods include vehicles, electronics, and agricultural chemicals.
- Consignees have 30 days to clear their items, after which they will be treated as abandoned and sold online.
