Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, recently highlighted the country’s crucial role as a gateway to East Africa, emphasizing its strategic position as a regional hub for both tourism and business. She stressed the importance of maintaining accessibility to ensure that the country remains attractive to international visitors.
In a statement released on Friday, Miano revealed that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had made an important decision to exempt tourists from declaring the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their gadgets upon arrival. This exemption came as a relief to those concerned about the newly announced tax measures that had raised questions about the process for travelers entering the country.
“KRA’s new measure means tourists will no longer be required to declare their mobile phones’ IMEI numbers at customs,” Miano explained. “Kenya’s strategic location as the gateway to East Africa positions it as a regional hub for tourism and business, and to maintain this position, we must continue to ensure the country remains easy to access.”
Miano also noted that her ministry was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that tourists continue to enjoy a seamless, welcoming experience when they visit “Magical Kenya.” Her commitment to supporting a visitor-friendly atmosphere reflects the government’s broader efforts to enhance the tourism sector, which remains one of the most vital contributors to Kenya’s economy.
The exemption follows a directive issued by KRA on November 6, which had initially announced that, starting January 1, 2025, passengers entering Kenya would be required to declare the IMEI numbers of their mobile devices. This new regulation was part of the government’s efforts to boost tax compliance and enhance the integrity of Kenya’s mobile device market by ensuring that all imported and assembled mobile phones are properly accounted for.
The new rule will require all mobile device importers and assemblers to submit detailed entries through KRA’s Customs portal, which will include specifics like device models, quantities, and their IMEI numbers. Additionally, importers will need to obtain the necessary permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to ensure that their devices meet the required standards.
While the directive aims to improve the country’s tax collection system and the mobile device market’s transparency, it also means that those involved in the importation and assembly of mobile phones must carefully familiarize themselves with the new procedures. KRA has urged stakeholders to ensure they are well-prepared for the changes in order to avoid disruptions in the importation process.
In her statement, Miano expressed confidence that the new regulations, while important for tax compliance, would not hinder Kenya’s appeal as a business and tourist destination. By balancing regulatory requirements with the need for ease of access, she aims to ensure that Kenya continues to be a welcoming place for both international tourists and business investors.
