In a bid to enhance the country’s tourism sector and ease entry for visitors, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that tourists will no longer be required to declare their gadgets’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers upon arrival.
The move is designed to streamline the entry process and support Kenya’s position as a leading regional tourism and business hub.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano welcomed the announcement on Friday, emphasizing Kenya’s strategic role in East Africa as a gateway for both tourism and business.
She noted that simplifying entry processes was essential to maintaining the country’s accessibility for international travelers.
“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,” Miano stated.
This change comes after KRA’s recent announcement on November 6, which introduced new regulations set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
These regulations will require passengers entering Kenya to declare their mobile phones, including IMEI numbers, as part of efforts to strengthen tax compliance and uphold market integrity.
The new directive mandates that importers and assemblers of mobile devices submit detailed information, such as model descriptions, quantities, and IMEI numbers, via KRA’s Customs portal. Importers will also need to secure permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to ensure compliance.
KRA has urged all stakeholders, particularly importers, to familiarize themselves with these new regulations to avoid potential non-compliance and ensure smooth operations moving forward.
