KRA Intercepts Ivory Carvings Worth KES600 000 At Mombasa Port

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) officers have intercepted two pieces of ivory carvings.

The carvings valued at KES 600,000 and weighing 3.3 kg were intercepted at the Port of Mombasa concealed in a consignment of personal effects of a US citizen of Somali origin.

Also seized were animal skin of unknown species and a necklace of unknown material. KRA Customs and Border Control Commissioner Julius Musyoki said in a statement that investigations are underway to determine if the items were souvenirs or were smuggled into the country.

The interception follows heightened surveillance by the Authority to catch tax cheats and increase revenue collection.

KRA targets to collect KES 5.2 trillion over the next three years through a new Corporate Strategic plan. The plan to run from 2015 to 2018 will be based on technology to have all taxpayers on board in a national database.