The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has warned owners of goods left at the Customs Warehouse Keeper, Inland Container Depot, that their items will be sold if they are not collected within 30 days.
In a Gazette Notice issued on Friday, April 25, the authority said that the goods, worth billions of shillings, will be treated as abandoned and sold through a public auction if not picked up in time.
"PURSUANT to the provisions of section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 as amended (EACCMA, 2004), notice is given that unless the under-mentioned goods are entered and removed from the custody of the Customs Warehouse Keeper, Inland Container Depot, Nairobi within thirty (30) days of this notice,"
"They will be treated as abandoned and will be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of EACCMA 2004 including being sold by public auction on 16th June, 2025, 17th June, 2025, 18th June, 2025, 19th June, 2025 and 20th June, 2025 through an online portal," the notice reads.
Some of the goods listed include 36 kg fibre optic cables, 1,000 kg long grain white rice, 396 kg Ivermectin injections, Rhinokraft products, used personal and household goods, wheelchairs, orthopedic walking crutches, and vehicles like Iveco, Mercedes, and Mazda.
Other items include medical and veterinary equipment, face masks, tiles and accessories, pumps, beans, olive oil, epoxy mixers, printed books, brochures, interliner materials, tubes and hoses made of rubber, handbags, electronics, garments, bicycles, household goods, automotive glass, synthetic fibers, tea processing machinery, and aluminum profiles.
There are also power cables, carpets, lace, threads, non-woven fabrics, glass, sealant, woven polyester fabrics, tools, spanners, powered generators, solar PV modules, solar inverters, battery systems, electric motorcycle kits, battery chargers, helmets, gloves, solar systems, lanterns, amplifiers, and promotional materials.
Other goods listed for auction include Class "G" oil well cement, bricks, blocks, tiles, other ceramic goods, cake supplies and accessories, and various porcelain or china household and toilet articles.
The notice was signed by the Chief Manager of the Inland Container Depot, Nairobi, George Aduwi, on April 22, 2025.
Interested buyers will be allowed to view the goods at specific locations on June 1, 2025, and June 12, 2025, during office hours.
The main reason why goods are often left at container depots is when importers or consignees fail to pay the necessary customs duties or taxes, resulting in the goods being held until the fees are settled.
Additionally, sometimes, importers or recipients may face logistical challenges, such as transportation delays or a lack of available trucks to move the goods from the depot.
