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Relief for travellers as Kenya increases duty-free limit

Relief for travellers as Kenya increases duty-free limit
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen (L) with Transport CS Davis Chirchir (R) during a meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025. PHOTO/@kipmurkomen/X

Kenya has announced an increase in its duty-free threshold from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000 offering substantial relief for travellers entering the country.

The move, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and streamlining customs procedures, is part of a broader set of reforms under the newly implemented Airport Charter.

The announcement was made in a joint statement dated January 30, 2025, by Cabinet Secretaries from the Ministries of Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration, and Tourism and Wildlife.

The officials revealed that these reforms are designed to position Kenya as a leading aviation hub by improving operational efficiency through better agency coordination.

Transport CS Davis Chirchir
Transport CS Davis Chirchir. PHOTO/@davis_chirchir/X

According to the government, the increase in the duty-free limit will reduce delays in passenger processing and make Kenya a more attractive destination for travellers and investors.

“In a bid to streamline passenger goods screening, Kenya has raised the duty-free threshold for passengers from Ksh50,000-Ksh250,000,” the statement reads in part.

Newly implemented Airport Charter

To enhance transparency in customs operations, the statement announced that all airport customs officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras starting July 1, 2025.

“The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will enhance staff capacity through training and equip all airport customs officers with body-worn cameras effective 1st July to ensure transparency and efficiency,” the statement added.

Additionally, the reforms include the immediate implementation of Advanced Passenger Information Systems, aligning Kenya with international security standards and enabling more efficient border control.

KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga. PHOTO/@CG_KRA/X

Security screening procedures will also be improved, with only flagged baggage undergoing further inspection in designated screening rooms to uphold passenger privacy and dignity.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is set to double the number of immigration booths and staff within the next 90 days, in a bid to reduce clearance times with E-Gates being introduced to expedite passenger self-clearance.

“Within 90 days immigration booths at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be doubled, along with a corresponding increase in staff, to expedite passenger clearance and reduce overcrowding. Additionally, electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) will be installed to facilitate faster and more efficient immigration processing,” the statement reads.

All staff working at JKIA will be required to wear uniforms and name tags.

“All staff working for KAA, KRA, Immigration, Port Health, KEPHIS Tourism, National Police Service and retail concessionaires must wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks. Additionally, further customer service training will be provided for all staff of agencies operating at the airport,” the ministries announced.

The government also announced plans to upgrade ageing airport infrastructure within the next six months.

These improvements will focus on airport signage, airside and landside stormwater drainage systems, water supply networks, air conditioning, parking management, covered walkways, and access roads.

Moreover, additional 3D security scanning equipment will be procured to enhance airport security.

“Short-term action on infrastructure will include enhanced signage and wayfinding within airport and terminals, improved Airside and Landside Storm Water Drainage systems, enhanced water supply system, improved terminal air-conditioning, improved parking management, covered walkways/terminal canopies and access roads within 6 months,” the statement read.

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