The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has impounded 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in an operation highlighting the growing role of technology in detecting suspected smuggling attempts.
The electronic devices were discovered after customs officers stopped an airport cleaner carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal during the clearance of arriving passengers.
According to a statement issued by KRA, the cleaner allegedly attempted to flee after being spotted by the officers but was intercepted for questioning.
During interrogation, she told the officers that a female passenger had handed her the bags and asked her to take them through Customs.
The officers subjected the backpacks to screening using a computed tomography (CT) baggage scanner, which revealed the presence of mobile phones and drones.
Customs officers subsequently traced the passenger, who had arrived aboard an international flight. She confirmed that she had handed the bags to the cleaner while using the airport restrooms.
A review of her travel documents showed that she was a frequent traveller, prompting officers to conduct a physical inspection of the luggage in the presence of both the passenger and the airport employee.
The inspection established that the bags contained 52 refurbished assorted mobile phones and three drones, alongside controllers, batteries and other accessories.
Among the recovered equipment included two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones, two controllers and two batteries, as well as a DJI Air 2S drone, its controller, battery and accessories.
Other items found in the bags included mobile phone chargers, travel adapters, USB cables, screen protectors and personal effects.
The seized goods were secured and transferred to the customs warehouse pending further action.
The interception underscores the importance of baggage-scanning technology and intelligence-led passenger screening in identifying goods suspected of being moved through unauthorised channels.
KRA said it continues to strengthen the use of technology and risk-based screening to facilitate legitimate travel and trade while preventing attempts to circumvent customs regulations.
The authority also emphasised the need for travellers to comply with import requirements, particularly those governing restricted items such as drones.
Importation of drones in Kenya is subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including obtaining the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
Travellers and importers are therefore required to establish the necessary approvals before bringing such equipment into the country.
KRA said it remains committed to protecting government revenue, safeguarding the country’s borders and facilitating compliant passenger movement through technology, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations.
The latest seizure highlights the thorough scrutiny passengers are up to and other individuals at the country’s main international gateway as authorities step up efforts to detect and deter suspected customs violations.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
