KRA Seizes Illicit Goods Worth Ksh 46 Million in Multi-Agency Crackdown
By Wendy Sheilla
Kenya Revenue Authority enforcement officers display cartons of illicit cigarettes and counterfeit alcohol products valued at over Ksh 46 million seized during multi-agency operations in Kirinyaga and Uasin Gishu counties, aimed at curbing tax evasion and protecting public health, on September 8, 2025.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted illicit goods valued at more than Ksh 46 million in two separate operations carried out in Kirinyaga and Uasin Gishu counties, averting a tax loss of over Ksh 19 million.
The enforcement operations, conducted jointly with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the National Police Service (NPS) and county security teams, underscore the government’s determination to stamp out illicit trade, safeguard public health, and protect legitimate businesses.
In the first operation at Kienja village in Kirinyaga County, enforcement officers acting on intelligence seized contraband cigarettes concealed within local premises.
KRA reported that the raid led to the discovery of 95 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes each containing 190 packets and 64 packets of Oris cigarettes, with a combined market value of Ksh 29.2 million. The successful interception prevented a total tax loss of Ksh 8.6 million, comprising Ksh 3.9 million in Excise Duty and Ksh 4.6 million in Value Added Tax (VAT).
In a separate incident, a multi-agency team in Eldoret raided an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility in Ngeria following intelligence reports on illicit production. The enforcement officers confiscated counterfeit excise stamps, unlicensed alcohol and raw materials used in manufacturing.
The items seized included 24,000 counterfeit excise stamps, more than 600 bottles of unbranded and branded alcohol, about 100 litres of ethanol, 260 sticks of illicit cigarettes, as well as counterfeit labels, empty bottles and large mixing containers.
The haul was valued at Ksh 17 million. KRA indicated that the operation saved the government from losing an estimated Ksh 10.7 million in revenue. A suspect was arrested during the raid and remains in police custody, with the recovered goods secured at the KRA Eldoret warehouse.
The authority said the seizures reflect ongoing vigilance in enforcing tax compliance and dismantling networks involved in illegal trade. It further noted that illicit trade undermines the economy, threatens legitimate businesses, and poses serious risks to consumer health and safety.
KRA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting government revenue and ensuring a level playing field for all taxpayers, adding that it will continue to work closely with other agencies to eliminate illegal business activities across the country.
The authority has also appealed to members of the public to support the crackdown by reporting suspicious trade practices through official hotlines, assuring confidentiality and prompt follow-up.
The latest seizures form part of a broader government campaign against counterfeit and excisable goods that not only deny the state much-needed revenue but also expose Kenyans to harmful products.
