KRA recovers Ksh123M lost in irregular rice clearance in Mombasa

Caption:KRA has recovered Ksh 123 million that was at risk due to irregular clearance of rice imports at a Container Freight Station (CFS) in Mombasa. VIDEO/K24 Videos

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has recovered Ksh 123 million that was at risk due to irregular clearance of rice imports at a Container Freight Station (CFS) in Mombasa.

Through a statement on Friday, September 5, 2025, KRA said the anomaly was detected during routine audits covering 161 containers of rice cleared between August 1 and August 23, 2025.

“The irregular clearance occurred between 1st August and 23rd August 2025. However, the anomaly was detected through routine audit checks, prompting immediate and decisive action by the Authority. KRA has since recovered the full amount of revenue that was at risk of loss,” KRA stated.

The early intervention prevented a significant potential loss to government revenue and underscored the Authority’s vigilance in monitoring customs operations.

The Authority’s review revealed inconsistencies in documentation and clearance procedures, prompting immediate action.

“Our systems are designed to detect such irregularities early, and we acted decisively to ensure public resources are protected,” said a senior KRA official. The full amount at risk has since been recovered.

KRA has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, working closely with other agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to identify and hold accountable all individuals involved, whether employees or external parties.

“We will ensure anyone implicated faces the full rigour of the law,” the official added.

The Authority emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating irregularities and protecting the integrity of Kenya’s tax system.

Commissioner of Customs and Border Control reiterated KRA’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, stating, “We remain steadfast in eradicating unethical practices within our operations. Any attempt to circumvent procedures will be investigated, and appropriate action taken.”

KRA urges all traders and customs agents to adhere strictly to clearance procedures and reminds the public that safeguarding tax revenue is a shared responsibility.