By Lauryne Akoth
In a video making rounds on social media, a tourist expresses her frustration and disappointment with the immigration department at JKIA after they confiscated her drone.
Despite being on holiday, she emphasized her dependence on the drone for freelance work. The trouble began during passport check when an immigration officer jokingly solicited money for “soda,” claiming it was to help each other.
Rejecting the offer, the tourist proceeded to customs, unaware of any drone-related regulations as none were communicated during her flight booking. Customs officers, intrigued by her drone-packed backpack, subjected it to scrutiny. She was asked to open her luggage, something she found very uncomfortable.
The traveller was surprised to observe that every person passing through customs was required to open their luggage, hinting at the contrast with customs procedures in other countries where such checks might not occur. It’s worth noting that customs procedures vary from country to country; in many places, both checked and carry-on luggage undergo thorough scanning. Similar to carry-ons, if there is anything unusual, potentially dangerous, or intriguing in your luggage, authorities reserve the right to inspect it.
Nevertheless, harassment is strictly prohibited. In a recent development in Kenya, the scrutiny of luggage at JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) was heightened, particularly at the KRA customs, prompting complaints from travellers about alleged harassment.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) explained that this intensified screening was a response to an increase in taxable items that should rightfully undergo duty assessment. In response to the concerns raised, a visit was made by Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Roads & Transport, and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Dr Alfred Mutua.
They reassured travelers arriving in the country that service delivery at the airport would improve, and customs officials would not harass them.
During a press conference, Alfred Mutua warned customs officials against mistreating tourists, emphasizing that such harassment could deter them from returning. He also reiterated that personal items should not be subjected to inspection.
In the video, the traveller conveyed her apprehension that her drone might be confiscated. Despite attempting to conceal it, customs officers insisted on inspecting it. Subsequently, she was directed to an office where she was detained for an hour. Despite her efforts to articulate the importance of the drone, her appeals were disregarded.
Following this, the customs officer provided her with a receipt and informed her that she could retrieve her drone upon leaving the country. However, the temporary relief was short-lived as the officer delivered unexpected news. It was conveyed to the tourist that for each day her drone stayed at the airport, regardless of the length of her stay, she would be required to pay a fee of five dollars per day.
This raises the question, what are the laws regarding drones in Kenya? Secondly, what measures has the Kenyan government taken to inform tourists of items they need to declare at the airport?
According to Kenya’s national aviation authority, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), flying drones is legally permissible in the country. However, the drone regulations stipulate that operating a drone is only allowed with proper authorization. Every drone must be registered and approved by the KCAA.
Upon bringing a drone into the country, there is an import duty fee. The drone must be declared upon arrival at the airport, incurring an import tax of Kes. 3000 (approximately 25 euros). Subsequently, residents are required to visit the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) offices, paying flat fees that can total Kes. 100,000 per year. On the other hand, tourists will be charged the “category B” permit fee based on the duration of their stay in the country, at Kes. 2500 per day (around 20 euros). Depending on the filming location, tourists may also be asked to obtain insurance against damages to third parties, starting at a minimum of Kes. 15,000 (about 120 euros).
Choosing not to declare the incoming drone and hoping it goes unnoticed carries severe consequences, including a fine of up to 2 million Kenyan shillings (approximately 16 thousand euros) and the possibility of confiscation of the device.
The tourist encounter highlights the gaps that the government needs to rectify in communicating information about items requiring declaration before arrival. Addressing these issues is crucial to prevent situations that may tarnish the tourism sector’s reputation in Kenya.
Moreover, travellers need to stay well-informed and familiarize themselves with the diverse customs laws of the destinations they are visiting, as these regulations vary and can impact their visit.