Relief for travellers as Gov't raises duty-free limit from Ksh.50K to Ksh.250K

The Kenyan government has increased the duty-free threshold for passengers arriving in the country from the current Ksh.50,000 to Ksh.250,000.

The development was announced in a joint communiqué by the Cabinet Secretaries of Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration, and Tourism and Wildlife, released on Friday.

This means that passengers bringing goods for personal use up to Ksh.250,000 will no longer have to pay customs duties, providing relief for travelers who have complained about their belongings being seized at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

“In a bid to streamline passenger goods screening, Kenya has raised the duty-free threshold for passengers from Ksh.50,000-Ksh.250,000,” the communiqué reads in part.

“To further strengthen customs operations, 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.”

According to the communiqué, the changes are a key part of the Airport Charter, a new framework designed to improve the overall functioning of Kenya’s airports.

The Charter, set to be in place within the next seven days, focuses on streamlining operations by fostering better coordination between the various government agencies involved in airport management, enhancing efficiency, reducing delays and ensuring smoother processes for passengers and other stakeholders.

The Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Transport, Treasury, Interior and Tourism are overseeing the implementation of these reforms to strengthen Kenya’s position as a major aviation hub.

Further, in a bid to enhance security at the JKIA, the government will implement advanced customer information systems for risk profiling, as well as ensure that only bags flagged by security scanners are opened in dedicated screening rooms.

“To uphold traveler dignity and privacy, only bags flagged by security scanners will be opened in a dedicated screening room. This aims to enhance security while ensuring a respectful and seamless travel experience,” the communiqué reads.

“In line with the UN resolution, GOK is immediately implementing advanced passenger information systems to enhance international security and streamline operational efficiency. This initiative aims to strengthen border controls while ensuring a smoother travel experience.”

As part of the ongoing reforms, all African citizens will be exempt from Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements. Additionally, the government has operationalized multiple-entry ETAs and expedited processing to further ease travel.

In a bid to further improve the passenger experience at JKIA, the government has announced plans to double the number of immigration booths and staff within the next 90 days.

The installation of electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) will also expedite immigration processing, according to the State.

“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 communiqué reads.

The government is also taking steps to strengthen staff accountability, with all personnel from key agencies, involved in aviation required to wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks.

“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 communiqué reads.

“Through the service charter, there will be a broader review of overall customer experience from all customer touchpoints. Further, we shall establish tourist information Centre to enhance visibility of what Kenya has to offer.”

The government has further committed to improving the airport's aging infrastructure. Key upgrades include enhanced signage, improved drainage systems, better water supply, updated terminal air-conditioning, and expanded parking management.

Additionally, covered walkways and improved access roads are expected to be completed within six months.

The government has also committed to acquiring additional 3D security scanning equipment within the next financial year to bolster airport security further.