KRA Issues 30-Day Auction Notice to Major Entities For Unclaimed Cargo

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a final 30-day ultimatum to high-profile organizations, including Kenya Power, the United States Embassy in Nairobi, and Coca-Cola, to clear abandoned goods from customs warehouses. According to a Gazette Notice dated March 27, 2026, the taxman warns that these consignments will be treated as abandoned and sold via public auction if not removed by April 27, 2026.

The scheduled online auction, set to run in phases between April 7 and April 30, 2026, aims to recover unpaid customs duties and storage fees. Major entities listed alongside the three primary institutions include Safaricom, Jamii Telecommunications Limited, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These goods, many of which have overstayed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) warehouses for more than 90 days, range from telecommunications equipment and specialized medical tools to personal effects like laptops and mobile phones.

“The planned auction is part of KRA’s routine customs enforcement process to recover storage costs and customs duties,” stated the Customs and Border Control Department. “Under the East African Community Customs Management Act, goods remaining uncollected for the specified period are deemed abandoned and must be disposed of to declutter warehouses and secure government revenue”.

Prospective buyers can inspect the items at DHL JKIA and Forodha House on designated dates before the bidding closes. The auction process is conducted strictly through the KRA online bidding portal, requiring a refundable deposit of Sh5,000 for participation.

This latest mass disposal comes as KRA intensifies its revenue collection efforts, targeting Sh2.97 trillion by June 2026. While the involvement of diplomatic and state agencies is rare, KRA maintains that procedural clearance remains mandatory for all importers regardless of status.