KENYA – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that tourists will no longer be required to declare the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of their devices when arriving in the country.
This move is intended to streamline the entry process for visitors while ensuring that tax compliance remains intact.
The Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) November 6 directive initially required passengers entering Kenya to declare their mobile phones, including IMEI numbers, beginning January 1, 2025.
This regulation was introduced as a measure to strengthen tax compliance and ensure the integrity of Kenya’s mobile device market.
However, the directive faced significant pushback, with stakeholders expressing concerns that it could negatively impact Kenya’s tourism sector.
Critics argued that the additional burden of declaring mobile devices could deter tourists from visiting the country, affecting Kenya’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
In response to these concerns, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced that tourists would not be required to declare their IMEI numbers upon arrival.
This exemption aims to ensure that Kenya maintains its strategic role as a regional hub for tourism and business, with easy accessibility being a key factor in attracting international visitors.
Miano stressed Kenya’s importance as East Africa’s gateway and emphasized the government’s efforts to create a smooth and welcoming experience for tourists.
Miano also noted her collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the tourism sector remains robust and visitor-friendly. This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to support tourism growth while maintaining strong tax compliance measures in other areas.
Kenya’s tourism has shown strong growth, with over 1 million visitors in the first half of 2024, generating significant revenue.
This success is largely attributed to a surge in domestic travel, with initiatives like the “Tembea Kenya” campaign promoting local exploration.
Kenya has also expanded its efforts to attract tourists from West Africa, with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) targeting markets such as Nigeria and Ghana to boost leisure and business travel.
The East African country has introduced new programs aimed at enhancing its appeal to digital nomads. The Digital Nomad Work Permit, alongside a Visa-Free Transit initiative, enables travelers to explore Kenya during long layovers, particularly in Nairobi.
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