The government, through the Customs and Border Control Department, has announced plans to destroy abandoned goods that have exceeded their storage time at the border warehouses in Kisumu, Busia, Isebania, and Lwakhakha.
According to a notice dated Friday, November 22, the government has warned the owners of these goods that they will be destroyed within 30 days from the date of the notice if they are not collected.
"Pursuant to the provisions of Section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, notice is given unless the undermentioned goods are entered and removed from the custody of the Customs Warehouse Keeper, Kisumu, Busia, Isebania, and Lwakhakha stations within 30 days of this notice," the notice read in part.
On the lapse of the deadline, the goods will be treated as abandoned and will be disposed of, including being sold by public auction on December 25, 26, and 27 through its online portal.
In Kisumu, the government has announced the disposal of seven items, which include 96 rolls of 1.5mm twin sheath cables without earth, three jerrycans of natural honey (each 20 litres), and 30 gas cylinders (13kg each).
At the Busia one-stop border post, nine items are also scheduled for disposal. This includes 47 pieces of softwood timber and several HIV self-test kits.
At the Isebania one-stop border post, two items have been listed for disposal: 107 bags of sugar (approximately 50 kg each) and 85 drums of ethanol.
Additionally, at the Lwakhakha border post, one motorcycle is at risk of being destroyed.
The Commissioner of Customs and Border Control has announced that interested buyers can view the goods at their respective Customs Warehouses on December 23 and 24, 2024, during office hours.
The Customs and Border Control Department is responsible for intercepting and seizing contraband, including illegal drugs and prohibited goods. They also assess and collect import duties, value-added taxes on imports, excise taxes, fees, and penalties on imported merchandise.
