The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a stern warning to importers with goods that have overstayed at its Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Nairobi, giving them 30 days to clear the items or risk losing them through a public auction.
In a gazette notice, KRA announced that the affected goods will be considered abandoned if not cleared within the stipulated period. The tax authority invoked Section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, which allows customs officials to dispose of goods that have remained in their custody beyond the allowed duration.
The auction is scheduled to take place online between November 10 and November 14, 2025, through KRA’s official portal, allowing interested buyers to bid for the items virtually. Physical viewing of the goods will be conducted on November 6 and 7, 2025, during official working hours at designated locations.
Among the items listed for auction are chocolate boxes, cigarettes, wall panels, molasses, padlocks, lubricants, wines, clothes, thermal machines, spare parts, and bed sheets, among others. The goods are packed in containers ranging from 20 to 40 feet and are currently held at the Inland Container Depot, Nairobi.
According to George Aduwi, KRA’s Chief Manager at the Nairobi ICD, some of the consignments have overstayed at the facility since April 2025. Aduwi noted that one of the main reasons goods are abandoned is the failure by importers to pay customs duties and taxes, which leads to the items being held until dues are cleared.
He added that logistical challenges, such as transportation delays or a shortage of trucks, also contribute to the accumulation of goods at the depot.
KRA’s move is part of its ongoing efforts to decongest storage facilities and ensure compliance with customs regulations while boosting revenue collection.
