Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have intercepted 40 iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max phones worth approximately KSh 8.2 million. The phones were discovered after officers screened a passenger who arrived from Dubai and allegedly carried the devices without declaring them. According to KRA, the passenger had entered Kenya four times within nine days before the most recent arrival, raising suspicion about repeated travel between Dubai and Kenya.
The passenger, who had claimed to be travelling through Kenya to a neighbouring country, was found to have made multiple short trips between Kenya and Dubai. A review of his passport and travel records showed that he entered Kenya on September 15 and left on September 17, then returned on September 19 and exited on September 20, before entering again on September 21 and leaving on September 22. He later entered Kenya again on September 23. These repeated entries and exits prompted Customs officers to continue questioning the passenger.
During interrogation, the passenger admitted that he acted as a courier for a client in Dubai and that he carried the phones on the client’s behalf. The phones were hidden among assorted items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack. KRA said officers intercepted the phones at Terminal 1A International Arrivals after using baggage scanners to screen the passenger’s luggage.
The Authority added that the devices had not been declared to Customs and were detected during routine baggage screening. Following the scan, customs officers conducted further checks and recovered the smartphones concealed within the passenger’s luggage. The 40 intercepted smartphones, estimated to be worth KSh 8.2 million, have been taken to the Customs Warehouse as KRA awaits the required clearance and verification processes.
KRA said the seizure highlights how technology and vigilant Customs officers help strengthen border controls and uncover attempts to bring undeclared goods into the country. The Authority noted that CT baggage scanners help officers detect concealed items in luggage. It added that risk-based screening, analysis of travel patterns, and targeted interviews provide further layers of checks.
KRA said it continues to enhance border enforcement through modern inspection technology, intelligence-led operations, and increased officer capacity. The measures support legitimate travel and trade while ensuring travellers follow Customs rules and protect government revenue. Under Kenya’s Customs requirements, travellers must observe Customs laws and procedures and declare any goods they carry in their luggage.
KRA cautioned travellers against carrying undeclared goods on behalf of third parties and urged members of the public to ensure that any items under Customs control are properly declared and cleared in accordance with the law. The Authority said it will continue using technology, data, and intelligence-led approaches to detect and prevent attempts to bypass Customs controls while also facilitating the lawful movement of people and goods through Kenya’s borders.
Key points
- The Kenya Revenue Authority seized 40 iPhone 18 phones worth KSh 8.2 million from a passenger at JKIA who had failed to declare the devices.
- The passenger had made multiple short trips between Kenya and Dubai, raising suspicion among Customs officers.
- KRA continues to enhance border enforcement through modern inspection technology and intelligence-led operations.
