The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has exempted tourists from declaring their gadgets' International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers upon arrival to maintain seamless entry for visitors while enhancing tax compliance.

In a statement, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized Kenya’s role as a gateway to East Africa and its positioning as a regional hub for tourism and business, underscoring the need for easy accessibility.

“KRA has announced that tourists will NOT be required to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival. Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business and must therefore remain easily accessible.”

Further, she stated that collaboration with relevant authorities prioritizes a smooth, welcoming experience for visitors to Magical Kenya.

This exemption comes after KRA’s November 6 directive, which requires passengers entering Kenya to declare their mobile phones, including IMEI numbers, as a new tax compliance measure starting January 1, 2025.

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The regulation strengthens tax compliance and reinforces Kenya’s mobile device market integrity.

The directive will require all importers and assemblers to submit detailed entries—such as model descriptions, quantities, and mobile device IMEI numbers—through KRA’s Customs portal.

Compliance will also include obtaining permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).