Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has promised a solution following a directive that requires persons visiting Kenya to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that starting January 1, 2025, all passengers entering the country will be required to declare and register their mobile devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers at the port of entry.

In a notice dated Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the revenue authority outlined that passengers must declare any mobile devices they plan to use during their stay adding that each mobile device intended for use in the country must be listed, along with its IMEI number on the F88 passenger declaration form.

According to KRA, the new customs requirements aim at enhancing tax compliance and regulatory integrity for mobile devices entering the country.

“Passengers entering the territory of Kenya will declare the details and the respective IMEI numbers for their mobile devices intended for use, during their stay in the country at the Port of entry on the F88 passenger declaration form,” KRA notice read.

In response, Miano said that she had engaged the relevant authority to find a solution for foreigners visiting, most of whom are tourists.

“After listening to concerns raised by the tourism sector regarding the requirement for visitors to declare their gadgets’ IMEI numbers upon arrival, I have actively engaged with the relevant authorities to find a way forward. Ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all who visit Magical Kenya remains our priority,” Miano said.

IMEI for other devices

The directive also affects device importers, local device assemblers and manufacturers who will now be required to submit detailed import entries for each mobile device with accurate quantities, proper model descriptions and their respective IMEI numbers in the customs.

“All importers are required to submit detailed import entries that include accurate quantities, comprehensive model descriptions, and the respective International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for each mobile device,” KRA announced.

“Device assemblers and manufacturers must register on the KRA Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market, along with their respective IMEI numbers.”

In addition, local manufacturers and assemblers are also mandated to obtain the necessary regulatory clearances and permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) before their devices can be sold in the market.