Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers have seized 40 undeclared iPhones valued at approximately Sh8.2 million from a passenger who arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Dubai. The seizure was made on Thursday, October 1, at Terminal 1A’s international arrivals section after customs officials screened the passenger’s luggage and discovered the concealed electronic devices. According to KRA, the consignment comprised iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, which were hidden among assorted personal items packed in three small suitcases and a backpack.
The authority said the passenger initially claimed he was travelling through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country. However, further checks into his passport and travel records revealed that he had made several trips between Kenya and Dubai within a short period. Records showed that the passenger entered Kenya on September 15 and departed two days later. He returned on September 19 before leaving the following day, then made another entry on September 21 and exited on September 22. He subsequently returned to Kenya on September 23, with customs officers intercepting the undeclared phones during the latest screening.
During questioning, the passenger reportedly admitted that he was transporting the devices on behalf of a client based in Dubai. KRA said the frequency of his recent trips had emerged during the examination of his travel history, prompting further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding his arrival and the contents of his luggage. The seized phones have since been secured at the Customs Warehouse pending the necessary clearance and verification procedures.
The authority has urged travellers to comply with customs requirements by declaring goods subject to customs control. It also cautioned passengers against transporting goods for third parties without ensuring that the items meet the applicable importation and declaration requirements.
