The Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) targets to collect Kes2.7 billion in revenue from cargo imports at the Eldoret International Airport.

“We target to collect the Sh2.7b as taxes from the Eldoret Airport that will go towards supporting government initiative of funding development,” said KRA acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Control Ms. Pamela Ahago.

Speaking in Eldoret, Ms. Ahago said within the last three financial years, KRA collected Kes 6.3 billion in taxes from cargo imports through the Eldoret airport.

KRA’s projection comes as cargo flights were re-launched to Eldoret International cargo flights by the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen, and his Investment and Trade counterpart Moses Kuria.

PHOTO | COURTESY: Trade CS Moses Kuria and Transport CS Kipvhumba Murkome during the relaunch of cargo flights at the Eldoret International Airport

“Whereas we have noted a decline in cargo volumes in the last two financial years which has impacted our revenue collection targets, we are optimistic that the cargo volumes will increase in the current financial 2023/2024,” said Ahago.

Further, he said KRA was committed to clearing cargo imported through the Airport within two days if the importers fully disclosed their imported goods, paid the correct taxes, and provided authentic documentation to customs officers.

“I urge the association to rally their members to ensure full disclosure of imported goods, pay correct tax, and provide authentic documentation to the customs officers, and in turn KRA promises to enhance release times of goods so that your goods don’t overstay in the airport, hence reducing costs associated with goods risks, such as demurrage charges,” she urged

“I assure you that we will support your business to thrive and we commit to clear cargo at the airports in the shortest time possible, at most within two days,” stated Ahago.

On his part, Trade CS said there was a need for KRA and other relevant bodies to look for innovative ways to ensure goods are cleared within 24 hours.

“We are exploring the possibility of outsourcing scanning and verification of goods at the Eldoret Airport to a private company to ease the burden of scanning and verification and have the 24-hour cycle,” said Kuria.