Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified its operation in the Western and Nyanza regions notorious with porous paths where importers smuggle goods to evade taxation.
Following the heightened surveillance across the borders, two individuals were apprehended and charged with smuggling 200 bags of sugar worth Sh660,000 into the country.
David Murebu Kebocha and Peter Ngotha Kinyita, were arraigned at the Bungoma Law Court and were jointly charged with possessing uncustomed goods contrary to Section 200(d) of The East African Community Customs Management Act, EACCMA, 2004.
Kibocha, a driver, faced another charge of conveying goods not yet taxed contrary to Section 200(d) III of EACCMA, 2004.
According to the prosecution, the accused were arrested on 23rd March, 2021 along Mumias-Bungoma road within Busia County while transporting the uncustomed goods totaling to 200 bags each 50kgs of sugar.
The sugar, which is labelled Sukari ya Mayunge, is said to have come from the Republic of Uganda.
The accused appeared before Chief Magistrate, John King’ori, where they denied the charges and were released on a bond of Sh300,000 or a cash bail of Sh80,000 each. The case will be mentioned again on June 23, 2021.
Sugar and beer being restricted goods whose import into the country faces regulation by various Government agencies and require importers to obtain licenses before importation.
A few months ago, KRA launched surveillance motorboats to patrol beaches in the territorial borders along Lake Victoria.
Officials use the vessel in ensuring security beef up and the reduction of unfair competition by wiping out illegal traders in the region.
By Joseph Otieno
