Guns and dildos: KRA’s haul at JKIA a mixed bag

Large consignments of prohibited commodities have been confiscated by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs department at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) throughout the past four months. The tax collector claims that during the July–October 2023 period, the authority made 440 interceptions, of which 132 were illegal and 431 were restricted items.

14 sex toys, 58 shisha and shisha utensils, 24 boxes of Viagra, and 60 bleaching creams are among the prohibited goods. Additional illegal objects intercepted were 339 drones, 7 weapons, 18 toy guns, 11 magazines, 8 handcuffs, and 24 walkie talkies.

It is reported that the items were discovered following passenger scrutiny by the KRA.

The inventory kept at the largest airport in Kenya provides an insight into the changes that have occurred in the personal lives of Kenyans, the majority of whom are young people.

Some of the things are unclear as to why they shouldn’t be permitted into the nation, and the type of evidence required to clear them is even more ambiguous. Both male and female sex points are in more demand, as seen by the numerous social media accounts that are outright selling them.

Humphrey Wattanga, Commissioner General of KRA, stated that it is crucial to remember that any items that are intercepted at the Point of Entry—especially weapons and drones—must have the necessary authorization given by the appropriate state authorities.

“We have a mandate to safeguard legitimate trade by ensuring that items subject to Customs duty are accurately assessed and duly paid for,”

For example, the KRA demands a variety of credentials, including one proving the drones’ airworthiness, from anyone importing them.What kind of evidence someone would present to demonstrate their ability to utilize a dildo efficiently is unclear.

A fast search on social media indicated that these devices are accessible locally, so it’s possible that distribution rather than use is the restriction.However, the rationale behind these limitations continues to baffle. According to KRA, visitors to the nation may retrieve prohibited goods that its agents have seized as they leave the Customs Office.

The KRA’s Border Control Enforcement Unit has been intercepting more commodities that are illegal or restricted, hence the terminal visit was scheduled during this period.