The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), working together with other government agencies, has carried out a major enforcement operation resulting in the destruction of illicit goods valued at Sh218 million.

The crackdown targeted contraband products seized from Nairobi and the Coast region, in a continued effort to curb tax evasion, protect consumers, and promote fair business practices across the country.The destruction exercise was conducted at Envirosafe Limited in Athi River and another approved site in Voi, Taita-Taveta County.Among the items destroyed were assorted beer, spirits, and bottled water that had been confiscated during earlier enforcement operations.

According to KRA, investigations revealed that the goods were being circulated in the market through illegal means, including the use of counterfeit excise stamps, non-activated or swapped stamps, unlicensed production, and other tax evasion schemes.

KRA officials stated that such illicit trade not only robs the government of essential revenue but also exposes consumers to unsafe products that fail to meet required health and quality standards.

The authority emphasised that the operation is part of its broader mandate to protect public health, ensure compliance with tax laws, and eliminate unfair competition that disadvantages legitimate businesses.

The Chief Manager for Micro and Small Taxpayers, Michael Gichuki, noted that enforcement actions are aimed at creating a level playing field where compliant traders can operate without being undermined by rogue operators.

He added that KRA’s strategy is anchored on intelligence-led enforcement, market surveillance, and collaboration with other agencies to dismantle illicit trade networks.

KRA further encouraged consumers to verify excise stamps using its SOMA Label App before purchasing excisable goods, as part of efforts to reduce circulation of counterfeit products in the market.