Uhuru gives Embakasi ICD 3 weeks to clear piled containers

President Uhuru Kenyatta has given Embakasi Inland container Depot three weeks to clear the piled containers with imported goods while ordering the release of all cargo. He has also warned against cheating tax.

On Monday morning, Uhuru made an impromptu visit at the facility where seized containers are being stored. The visit was prompted by complaints by traders whose goods have been confiscated.

He was accompanied by CS Matiang’i, PS Kibicho and heads of the multi-agency task force.

Uhuru first visited the depot in the morning at around 6:00 AM before returning later in the afternoon.

Among the goods inspected by the president were second hand clothes and electronics.

Early last month, counterfeit goods worth over Sh 100 million were seized by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.The goods seized included electrical appliances, sportswear and motor vehicle spare parts among others are said to have come from Far East countries.

Another 40-foot container of fake circuit breakers imported from China and valued at over Sh 10 million was also seized last month.

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Chairperson, Flora Mutahi later revealed in an interview with journalists that over 70 percent of the illicit goods entered the country through the sea ports.

“Most of the fake goods are imports and enter the country mainly through the main Port of Mombasa which is Kilindini Port, the Container Freight Stations (CFS’s) in Mombasa and the Inland Container Depot Nairobi (ICDN) located in Embakasi, “she stated.

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