Consumers in Kenya may soon face higher prices for phones, laptops, and other communication gadgets as the government considers introducing new fees for import permits.
The proposed charges come as authorities seek to cover the costs of processing, inspecting, and approving imported devices, which until now have been issued free of charge.
Under the proposal, businesses importing gadgets for commercial use would pay Sh15,000 per permit, while individuals bringing in devices for personal use would be charged Sh5,000.
Importers currently apply for these permits through an online platform known as TradeNet, where permits are processed and issued without any cost.
The regulator says the move is necessary to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
“The Authority does not currently charge for the permit processing. It is on this basis, and the need to sustain efficient operations, that the Authority proposes to introduce permit processing fees,” the consultation paper released on Tuesday states.
Fees will be fixed and will not depend on the number of devices in a shipment. Each permit is valid for one year but covers only the items listed on a single consignment invoice. Importers must apply for a new permit if they bring in another batch of devices.
“The permit processing fee is a flat, non-refundable rate, regardless of the quantity of items being imported. Each approved permit covers the items listed in a single consignment document/invoice,” a CA spokesperson said via email.
Kenya relies on imports for about 70 percent of its electronic devices, including mobile phones, computers, and networking equipment. All devices must go through a mandatory type-approval process to ensure they meet safety, environmental, and electromagnetic standards.
Once approved, importers must obtain a permit through the TradeNet portal, which manages documentation for both imports and exports. Permits are issued after confirming that products meet approval requirements, checking licensing compliance, and inspecting shipments to ensure quantities and specifications match the declarations.
“The entire process from checking to final inspection is required to be completed within the shortest possible time to avoid demurrage costs to importers. This, therefore, requires substantial resources to sustain efficient operations,” the CA consultation paper notes.
Importers already pay multiple charges, including a 25 percent duty on phones, a 10 percent excise tax, a 16 percent Value Added Tax on the combined value of goods and taxes, a 2.5 percent Import Declaration Fee, and a 2 percent Railway Development Levy.
Exchange rate fluctuations also affect local prices. Since Kenya pays for imports in US dollars, a weakening shilling increases the local currency cost, which can push retail prices higher.
The regulator is seeking public input on the proposed permit fees, with feedback open until April 30.
