Athletics Kenya has reminded athletes of the importance of adhering to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regulations after personal belongings of marathon runners Joyciline Jepkosgei and Daniel Ebenyo were confiscated at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The two athletes, returning from the Chicago Marathon, faced difficulties clearing their items at customs due to issues surrounding duty payment, sparking concerns within the athletics community.
Seizure of Belongings at the Airport
Joyciline Jepkosgei, a former London Marathon champion, reported that her training shoes were held by customs officials upon her arrival at the airport. Jepkosgei explained that she had brought these shoes for distribution to fellow athletes at her training base in Iten. Despite her intentions, she was asked to pay more than Ksh 19,000 per pair of shoes as customs duty to recover her luggage.
Her frustrations came to light when she sought help from Athletics Kenya and shared her plight with a formal message, expressing the unexpected challenges she faced upon landing. Jepkosgei explained that the shoes were intended purely for use by her training mates, emphasizing that they were not meant for any commercial purpose.
Similarly, Daniel Ebenyo, another marathoner who had competed in the Chicago event, encountered challenges with customs. His belongings, reported to be worth over Ksh 350,000, were also seized by KRA officials. The customs authorities noted that items exceeding Ksh 260,000 in value must be declared and are subject to duties unless prior exemptions are obtained. This incident brought into focus the need for athletes to familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations when traveling internationally.
Athletics Kenya’s Response
In light of these events, Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya’s youth and development chairman, responded by urging athletes to strictly comply with customs laws. He emphasized that KRA regulations must be respected at all times to avoid future incidents and maintain a positive relationship with customs authorities. According to Korir, Athletics Kenya can only intervene in cases where the items brought into the country are for legitimate sporting purposes and if prior communication has been made.
Korir stressed that athletes must notify Athletics Kenya in advance about any sports equipment they intend to carry back from international competitions. This notification should include a detailed inventory of the items, as well as an explanation of their intended use and beneficiaries. He cautioned against bringing items under the guise of sports equipment while intending to use them for personal or commercial purposes.
Athletics Kenya’s intervention, Korir noted, would only be possible if the equipment serves a beneficial purpose for training or development within the sport. In the case of Jepkosgei, Athletics Kenya could step in because her luggage was intended to support her training camp. However, Korir emphasized that athletes must not expect similar assistance if there is any suspicion of commercial activity or misuse of the items.
Ensuring Compliance with KRA Regulations
Korir further clarified that the rules apply equally to all athletes, coaches, and managers. Athletics Kenya would not support any efforts to evade customs duties, as doing so could jeopardize the relationship between the athletics body and KRA. He reiterated that transparency is essential when bringing sports equipment into the country. To ensure compliance, every item must be accounted for, with the specific athlete or group it benefits clearly identified.
By urging athletes to follow these procedures, Athletics Kenya aims to prevent future misunderstandings with customs officials. The goal is to ensure that items meant to support the development of athletics in Kenya are processed smoothly at the airport, without unnecessary delays or conflicts. Korir’s warning also served as a reminder that any attempt to use the guise of athletics to conduct business would not be tolerated. Athletics Kenya would remain vigilant and take necessary action if any cases of misuse are detected.
Balancing Support and Responsibility
While Athletics Kenya is committed to supporting athletes in their endeavors, Korir’s statement emphasized the importance of personal responsibility. Athletes returning from international assignments must ensure they follow customs rules to avoid penalties. This approach balances the need for support with accountability, ensuring that the reputation of Kenyan athletics remains intact.
The incident at the airport highlighted a broader challenge faced by athletes traveling internationally. Many athletes carry specialized equipment that can be costly and difficult to replace. Ensuring that these items are properly declared and cleared through customs is essential, but the process can be complicated and time-consuming. Athletics Kenya’s guidance is intended to help athletes navigate these challenges effectively.
Additionally, the situation underscored the need for collaboration between athletes and governing bodies. By working together, athletes and officials can ensure that the process of returning to Kenya after international competitions is as smooth as possible. Clear communication, transparency, and adherence to rules will help maintain good relationships with customs authorities and prevent future conflicts.
Conclusion
The recent experiences of Joyciline Jepkosgei and Daniel Ebenyo serve as an important reminder of the need to follow customs regulations. Athletics Kenya’s response reflects a commitment to supporting athletes while also ensuring compliance with the law. By emphasizing transparency and accountability, Athletics Kenya aims to protect the interests of athletes and prevent misunderstandings with customs authorities.
Looking forward, athletes must take proactive steps to avoid similar issues. This includes notifying Athletics Kenya in advance of any equipment they plan to bring into the country and ensuring that the items are properly documented and declared. Athletics Kenya’s intervention will only be possible when these procedures are followed, and any attempt to misuse the process will be met with strict action.
As athletes prepare for future competitions and international assignments, understanding and complying with customs rules will be essential. With Athletics Kenya’s guidance and support, athletes can focus on their performance, knowing that their equipment will be processed smoothly upon their return. Through cooperation and adherence to regulations, both athletes and officials can work together to uphold the integrity and reputation of Kenyan athletics.
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