Customs officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones during a routine baggage scan. The items were found in a passenger’s luggage and were flagged by advanced scanning technology. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) confirmed the discovery, emphasizing the importance of modern baggage-scanning systems in preventing illegal imports.
The intercepted phones were reportedly in good condition and had been reconditioned for resale. The drones, which were not declared, raised concerns about potential use in unauthorized activities. KRA officials stated that the incident underscores the need for continued investment in customs technology to combat smuggling.
This is not the first time KRA has intercepted electronic goods. In the past year, similar operations have targeted counterfeit electronics and unregistered devices. The agency has been working with international partners to improve detection methods and enforce import regulations. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in regulating the flow of second-hand electronics into the country.
