KRA opens Joho freight stations to clear cargo
Workers at Autoports Container Freight Station protest in Mombasa on January 28, 2016 against the Kenya Revenue Authority's move to shut down two port firms owned by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's family. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
KRA officials however reacted by sealing the gates at the premises. The stations receive import and export goods on behalf of KPA, about 24 stations are in Kenya situated in Mombasa.
Kenyans who claim they have paid duty for their cars caught up at the two freight stations had swarmed KRA twitter handle demanding immediate action.
Mombasa governor Hassan Joho’s container freight facilities have temporarily opened to allow clearance of cargo at the premises.
The freights stations, Portside and Autoport are associated with Joho’s family. They were closed amid protests, after being linked to smuggling multi-million shilling worth of goods.
The stations were opened after a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) order giving Joho 36 hours from Saturday to evacuate hundreds of cargo at his freight stations.
“This is to inform you that following the closure of Autoport and Portside CFS’s, Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) engaged KRA top management for intervention so as to allow the cargo already transferred to be cleared, said a statement from by KIFWA.
Kenyans who claim they have paid duty for their cars caught up at the two freight stations had swarmed KRA twitter handle demanding immediate action.
“@KRACare #joho CFS closure. I am an innocent citizen and need release of my car?? whose duty is paid for,” said one Titus Okello.
KRA officials reacted
On Monday last week, Justice Dorcas Chepkwony suspended the directive by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to close the two freight stations. The court ordered the KPA to file its papers explaining its actions within 21 days.
KRA officials, however, reacted by sealing the gates at the premises. The stations receive import and export goods on behalf of the KPA. About 24 stations operate in Kenya and are all located in Mombasa.
The taxman has also launched further investigations into the operations of container freight stations, with a threat to revoke the licences of those engaging in tax evasion schemes.
“Further actions will be taken in respect of CFS installations found, through the ongoing investigations, to be in breach by engaging in transit diversion, smuggling and other fraudulent practices.
“KRA shall also continue tightening Customs enforcement through staff skills enhancement and the hiring of staff with relevant knowledge in law enforcement," said Mr Njiaraini in a statement on Monday.
