KRA Warns Kenyans of Imminent Auction of Abandoned Goods
The KRA warns that goods left at the Customs Warehouse in Nairobi must be collected within 30 days or will face auctioning. Items, valued at billions of shillings, can be sold if customs duties are unpaid. The auction is scheduled for June 16-20, 2025, with viewing days set for June 1 and June 12.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a stern warning to the owners of goods stored at the Inland Container Depot’s Customs Warehouse. In a notice released on April 25, the authority stated that any uncollected items will be considered abandoned and sold at public auction within 30 days. This potential sale could involve goods valued at billions of shillings, a significant financial hit for owners.
According to the Gazette Notice, unless owners retrieve their goods from the depot by the deadline, they will face disposal as per the East African Community Customs Management Act. The notice specifically mentions that items left uncollected will be auctioned online between June 16 and June 20, 2025, which could lead to considerable losses for those unaware of the impending clearance.
A long list of goods is at risk of being auctioned, ranging from 36 kg of fiber optic cables and 1,000 kg of long-grain rice to medical supplies like 396 kg of Ivermectin injections. Other items include personal goods, wheelchairs, or even vehicles from brands such as Iveco and Mercedes. The sheer diversity of products indicates that many different individuals and businesses could be impacted.
Further enumerating the items, the notice includes medical and veterinary equipment, face masks, tiles, pumps, olive oil, printed materials, electronics, bicycles, and various textile goods. Additionally, there are power cables, solar energy kits, promotional materials, and household items like carpets and generators. This extensive list points to a severe backlog at the depot.
The Chief Manager of the Inland Container Depot, George Aduwi, signed the notice on April 22, 2025. Prospective buyers wishing to view the items prior to the auction will have opportunities on June 1 and June 12, 2025, during regular office hours.
The primary reasons for goods remaining at depots often stem from importers failing to settle customs duties or taxes. Logistical hurdles, including transportation issues and truck availability, also contribute to these delays in collection. In the end, many could face losing significant assets if they do not act swiftly to reclaim their goods.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has made it clear that goods left at the Inland Container Depot will be auctioned off within a month if not collected. With a comprehensive list of items potentially being sold, from electronics to vehicles, it is crucial for owners to resolve any outstanding fees or logistical issues promptly. The looming auction dates and earlier viewing opportunities heighten the urgency for those affected.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
