Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs officers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have intercepted 40 undeclared smartphones valued at approximately Sh8.2 million.
The phones were seized from a male passenger who arrived in Kenya from Dubai and was screened at the Terminal 1A International Arrivals.
KRA said the passenger’s luggage was subjected to routine screening using baggage scanners, leading to the detection of the concealed smartphones.
The devices, comprising iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, were hidden among assorted items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack.
The smartphones had not been declared to Customs.
“KRA Customs officers at JKIA intercepted 40 undeclared iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max phones worth Sh8.2M at JKIA. A passenger from Dubai, who had entered Kenya 4 times in 9 days, admitted he was a courier for a Dubai client. KRA warns travellers against carrying undeclared goods for third parties,” KRA said.
Following the initial scan, Customs officers conducted further checks on the passenger’s luggage and recovered the smartphones.
During questioning, the passenger told the officers that he was transiting through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country.
However, Customs officers reviewed his passport and travel history and established that he had made several trips between Kenya and Dubai within a short period.
According to KRA, the passenger entered Kenya on September 15, 2026, and left on September 17. He entered the country again on September 19 and exited on September 20.
He subsequently entered Kenya on September 21 and exited on September 22 before making another entry on September 23.
The frequent entries and exits, coupled with the short duration of his visits, 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 smartphones, estimated to be worth Sh8.2 million, have been deposited at the Customs Warehouse pending the applicable clearance and verification processes.
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