The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has addressed claims that its customs officers confiscated a wedding dress belonging to a Kenyan lady who had arrived in the country with her foreign lover to exchange their vows.
The reports claim the love birds were forced to leave the dress with KRA officers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after being informed that it had “commercial value” and they could not pay the required tax.
In a statement by KRA on X on Thursday, it sought to clarify that the wedding dress was subject to duty as it was valued at Kes 301,700.
KRA said the value of the dress was above the limit of Kes 75,425 allowable for duty-free items, in accordance with the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and other relevant tax laws.
Further, it dismissed claims that its customs officers confiscated the dress, instead disclosing that – upon being notified of the relevant law – the couple willingly complied and paid as was required.
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“As per the law, new items/goods up to the value of USD 500 for each traveller are exempted from import tax. We aim to uphold these regulations fairly and consistently for the benefit of our country and its citizens,” read the statement.
“The wedding dress in question was valued at $2000, which exceeded the allowable limit of $500 for duty-free items. According to the relevant customs laws, it was indeed subject to duty.”
