The Kenya Revenue Authority has intercepted more than 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth an estimated Sh281 million at the Port of Mombasa, blocking an attempt to illegally import the goods concealed in a 40-foot container.
KRA says the haul was uncovered through intelligence-led investigations that triggered a multi-agency operation involving port police, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Port Health Services, and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
In a statement issued on January 16,2026, the tax agency said the interception followed credible intelligence that raised red flags over the contents of the container, prompting authorities to subject the cargo to heightened scrutiny.
“Given the nature of the cargo, a 100% physical examination was conducted to ensure compliance with tax, standards, and enforcement regulations,” KRA said.
The inspection revealed that the container was carrying 937 cartons containing a total of 9,370,000 cigarette sticks. According to KRA, the cigarettes were labelled “Made in Sudan,” yet the country of consignment was Cambodia, a discrepancy that immediately pointed to an attempt to misrepresent the origin of the goods.
The shipment was routed through Singapore before arriving at the Port of Mombasa and was reportedly destined for South Sudan.
KRA said the operation involved officers drawn from several government agencies to ensure thorough verification and enforcement.
“The exercise involved officers from KRA, the Port Police, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Anti-Counterfeit Agency (ACA), Port Health Services, and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA),” the statement read, underscoring the coordinated approach used to tackle illicit trade at the port.
Authorities noted that the cigarettes were concealed in a manner intended to evade detection and avoid the payment of taxes due to the government.
KRA estimated that the total taxes payable on the seized consignment amount to Sh83.39 million, comprising Sh38.42 million in excise duty and Sh44.98 million in value added tax (VAT).
The seizure, KRA said, dealt a major blow to illicit trade networks that continue to exploit regional transit routes to move contraband goods through Kenya.
The Authority warned that such illegal imports not only deny the government much-needed revenue but also pose public health risks and undermine legitimate businesses that comply with tax and regulatory requirements.
