The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 40 undeclared iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max phones worth KES8.2 million at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after Customs officers stopped a passenger arriving from Dubai with the high-value smartphones.

The phones were discovered during routine baggage screening at Terminal 1A International Arrivals. The devices had been concealed among other items and distributed across three small suitcases and a backpack, prompting Customs officers to conduct further checks on the passenger's luggage.

According to KRA, the passenger initially told officers that he was travelling through Kenya by road to a neighbouring country. Further questioning established that he was carrying the phones as a courier for a Dubai-based client and that the smartphones were destined for Kenya.

The interception highlights the role of baggage scanners, travel information and Customs checks in detecting undeclared goods at Kenya's points of entry. KRA has also warned travellers against carrying goods for other people without knowing their contents and ensuring that the required Customs declarations are made.

The 40 smartphones have been taken to the KRA Customs Warehouse pending clearance and verification. The case also serves as a reminder to travellers and businesses that goods brought into Kenya, particularly items intended for commercial purposes, must meet the required Customs procedures and declarations.