The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a new directive to all mobile phone importers, travelers, and local device manufacturers in a fresh bid to strengthen tax compliance and regulatory integrity in the country.
In a notice dated Tuesday, November 5, all importers are required to submit detailed import entries that include accurate quantities, comprehensive model descriptions, and the respective International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for each mobile device effective January 1, 2025.
"Pursuant to Part B of the Second Schedule to the East African Community Customs Management Act(EACCMA,2004), on restricted imports, mobile devices require regulatory permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya." the notice by KRA read in part.
In the new regulations, device assemblers and manufacturers must register on the KRA Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market, along with their respective IMEI numbers.
“Device Assemblers/Manufacturers must register on the Customs portal and submit a report of all devices assembled for the local market and their respective IMEI numbers.”
Any passenger entering Kenya will also be required to declare their mobile devices on the F88 passenger declaration form and provide the necessary details and IMEI numbers for devices intended for use during their stay.
“All stakeholders must obtain the appropriate regulatory clearances and permits from the Communications Authority of Kenya to ensure compliance with local laws," KRA revealed in the notice.
The move follows a recent announcement by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) on its new measures to support KRA's ongoing efforts to enhance tax compliance in the mobile device market in Kenya.
The Kenya Revenue Authority is committed to enhancing tax compliance on behalf of the Government of Kenya and administers various tax laws and regulations, including the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA, 2004).
The KRA's official notice comes a week after the Communications Authority of Kenya announced that mobile phones that do not fulfill new tax compliance rules will not be linked to any mobile operator in the nation.
In a statement, the government mandated that mobile network providers only connect devices to their networks after checking their tax compliance status using a whitelist database of compliant devices.
'Operators will also be required to provide for the gray-listing of non-compliant devices to facilitate regularization within a prescribed period, failure to which the devices will thereafter be blacklisted,’’ CA directed on October 24.
The requirements will be implemented effective January 1, 2025. The Authority will release the specific guidelines on the system process and how to capture the devices and IMEI numbers for different users in due course.
Kenyans who have any questions on the new directives can contact KRA through its email callcentre@kra.go.ke, or call 020 4999 999 or 0711 099 999. Kenyans have also been encouraged to visit any of the KRA offices to channel their questions.
