KRA Thwarts Sh123 Million Tax Fraud Involving Imported Rice Containers
- Christabel Adhiambo
- Sep 5, 2025
- 2 min read
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the thwarting of a scheme aimed at defrauding the government of Sh123 million in taxes through the irregular clearance of 161 imported rice containers at a Container Freight Station (CFS) in Mombasa.
The irregularities, which occurred between 1st and 23rd August 2025, were detected during routine audits, prompting immediate action by the authority to recover the full amount at risk.
In a press statement issued on Friday, KRA said the discovery highlighted the importance of robust internal checks.
“This fraudulent scheme would have cost Kenyans Sh123 million in lost revenue, but we recovered the full amount at risk,” the statement read.
The statement further noted that KRA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter and is collaborating closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable all individuals involved, including both staff and external parties.
KRA said it remains committed to integrity and accountability in revenue administration.
“We remain steadfast in safeguarding taxes, upholding integrity, and eradicating corruption in revenue administration,” KRA stated.
The authority also underscored that customs and tax fraud remain a major challenge globally, particularly in sectors handling high volumes of imported goods, and that its proactive auditing and enforcement measures send a clear signal that irregularities will not be tolerated.
“Our vigilance, combined with collaboration with law enforcement agencies, ensures that revenue meant for national development is protected from fraudulent schemes.” KRA said.
The recovered Sh123 million will now continue to fund government services, reflecting KRA’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, accountability and efficiency in tax administration.
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