The Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) has enacted a crackdown targeting dealers and owners of fraudulently registered cars.
Many car buyers have fallen victim to car dealers who present very enticing deals thereby purchasing cars without conducting due diligence.
"KRA had enhanced investigations to identify the perpetrators of these fraudulent schemes. Those found culpable will be prosecuted and their vehicles and goods detained as stipulated by the law," said the authority
In a notice dated March 17, the authority stated that there is an increase in trucks and motor vehicles operating without payment of duty as well as transporting prohibited, uncustomed, and excisable goods affixed with counterfeit excise stamps or none.
The East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 section 200 (d) and section 210(c) states that possession of a motor vehicle whose duty is unpaid is an offense.
According to KRA, a majority of the vehicles in this state have either been fraudulently registered or fixed plates belonging to other vehicles. They noted a high rate of noncompliance from motorists.
"Some of these vehicles may have been sold to innocent members of the public who were not aware of the scheme," read the notice.
KRA also noted that some of the irregularly registered vehicles are over age contrary to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) eight-year rule on importation of cars revealing prohibited imports.
The authority appealed to the public to help apprehend those involved.
"The public is urged to verify the payment status of customs duty with KRA before purchasing. Taxpayers are further requested to report any suspected non-compliant vehicles operating in the country to cic@kra.go.ke," said KRA.
It further urged the public to be vigilant and insisted that motor vehicle owners verify the contents of cargo meant for transit, the owner of the cargo, and destination.
