The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 40 smartphones valued at approximately Sh8.2 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after Customs officers detected the undeclared devices in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Dubai.
The interception was made at Terminal 1A International Arrivals following routine baggage screening using CT scanners. The phones, comprising iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, had been concealed among assorted items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack.
Customs officers subjected the luggage to further inspection after the scanners detected suspicious items, leading to the recovery of the smartphones.
During questioning, the passenger told officers that he was transiting through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country. However, a review of his passport and travel history revealed several short trips between Kenya and Dubai in September.
Records showed that he entered Kenya on September 15 and left on September 17, returned on September 19 and departed on September 20, then entered again on September 21 and exited on September 22. He subsequently returned to Kenya on September 23.
The repeated entries and exits prompted Customs officers to conduct further questioning.
KRA said the passenger later disclosed that he was acting as a courier for a client based in Dubai and that the smartphones were destined for Kenya.
The 40 phones, estimated to be worth Sh8.2 million, have been deposited at the Customs Warehouse pending clearance and verification.
The interception highlights the role of baggage-scanning technology, travel-pattern analysis and intelligence-led screening in detecting attempts to move undeclared goods through Kenya’s points of entry.
KRA said it continues to strengthen border enforcement through modern inspection technologies, intelligence-led interventions and enhanced capacity for Customs officers.
The Authority reminded travellers that goods carried into Kenya are subject to Customs laws and must be properly declared and cleared.
KRA also cautioned travellers against carrying undeclared goods on behalf of third parties, saying such arrangements could expose them to Customs enforcement action.
The Authority said it would continue using technology, data and intelligence to detect attempts to circumvent Customs controls while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods through Kenya’s borders.
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