The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has made efforts to clarify concerns regarding the potential presence of contraband goods at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) facility located in Nanyuki.
During a recent session with the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Dr. Lillian Nyawanda, addressed inquiries about the compliance of British military operations with Kenyan laws.
The committee specifically questioned allegations that British soldiers may have smuggled AFCO cigarettes using security containers.
In response, Dr. Nyawanda emphasized that KRA has implemented robust surveillance systems, including CCTV and scanners, at ports and airports to identify illegal activities.
However, she acknowledged that KRA’s ability to monitor the BATUK facility is restricted due to its designation as a military zone.
To mitigate these limitations, Nyawanda explained that KRA collaborates with various government entities, including the Ministry of Defence, Immigration, and Interpol, to ensure compliance with regulations.
Additionally, Dr. Nyawanda disclosed that BATUK has imported 223 vehicles that are exempt from taxes under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) of 2004.
These vehicles, imported since 2019, include 49 designated for cargo transport, 154 for passenger transport, and 20 for special purposes.
The committee, led by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, expressed concerns regarding the outstanding tax obligations of BATUK.
KRA confirmed that while BATUK has filed its Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax returns for its 604 employees, it has yet to submit its corporate income tax returns.
Corporate tax, which is levied on a company’s profits, plays a critical role in promoting tax equity among businesses.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the MPs acknowledged that KRA has exercised due diligence in its oversight of BATUK.
