The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has given notice to owners of goods worth millions that were abandoned at Nairobi Inland Container Depot.
The authority, in a Gazette Notice, announced that it would sell the goods through a public auction should the owners fail to pick them up within 30 days from the day of the public notice issued on Friday, January 17.
The goods, primarily stored in 28 forty and twenty-foot containers from various ports of origin, have exceeded the stipulated storage period at the depot, with their owners failing to collect them, according to KRA.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 as amended (EACCMA 2004), notice is given that unless the under-mentioned goods are entered and removed from the custody of the Customs Warehouse Keeper, Inland Container Depot Nairobi within thirty (30) days of this notice, they will be treated as abandoned,” KRA announced.
Operations taking place at Naivasha Inland Container Depot
File
KRA indicated that the auction of the goods will take place next month on the 17th, 18th, and 19th through their online portal.
Consequently, KRA advised interested buyers to inspect the goods at designated locations on 13th and 14th February 2025 during office hours.
“Such goods will be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of EACCMA 2004, including being sold by public auction on 17th February 2025, 18th February 2025, and 19th February 2025 through an online portal .”
The containers primarily hold items such as Humson Complex Sp, Sapropel Fertilizer Powder, baby diapers, and drums of ethyl acetate.
Additionally, the containers include floor tiles, aluminium solar mountings, used photocopiers and printers, turbine ventilators, aircraft parts, and common nails.
Interested buyers may view the goods at specific locations on February 13, 2025, and February 14, 2025, during office hours.
The auction comes against the backdrop of many Kenyans struggling to make ends meet amid the challenging economic times.
One reason goods are often left at container depots is when importers or consignees fail to pay the necessary customs duties or taxes, resulting in the goods being held until the fees are settled.
Additionally, sometimes, importers or recipients may face logistical challenges, such as transportation delays or a lack of available trucks to move the goods from the depot.
A cargo plane unloading goods at an airport
Photo
Alaska Air forwarding