The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has seized 46 tonnes of suspected smuggled sugar in Lodwar, Turkana County, and intercepted additional consignments in Kakamega County in a crackdown on illegal sugar trade.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, KRA said its enforcement officers intercepted two lorries carrying 920 bags of sugar during an intelligence-led operation conducted at around 2am on Thursday.
The 50-kilogramme bags contained KALIRO-branded sugar suspected to have been smuggled from Moroto, Uganda, through the Nadapal border without payment of applicable taxes or completion of customs procedures.
KRA estimated the tax implication of the Lodwar consignment at KSh9.73 million, warning that the illegal trade threatens government revenue and creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses.
“The seizure is part of KRA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt networks involved in the illicit movement of sugar, protect public health, government revenue and safeguard compliant businesses from unfair competition created by smuggled goods,” the statement stated.
More sugar seized in Kakamega
In a separate operation in Kakamega County, enforcement officers intercepted a Probox vehicle transporting 30 bags of brown sugar, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
The consignment was valued at approximately KSh1.524 million, with the vehicle and exhibits taken to Matungu Police Station for further action.
Officers also intercepted another lorry suspected of transporting smuggled sugar along Mumias Road in Matungu after its driver allegedly failed to stop for a compliance check.
KRA said the driver and two other occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Police subsequently arrested one suspect to assist with investigations.
An inspection of the abandoned lorry revealed 100 bags of sugar, with an estimated value of KSh500,000 and taxes at risk amounting to approximately KSh3 million.
KRA warns sugar traders
KRA said the operations demonstrated its continued use of intelligence-led enforcement to disrupt illicit trade.
“The Authority is strengthening surveillance and enforcement along border routes and other corridors vulnerable to smuggling, particularly those used to move high-demand commodities such as sugar,” the authority stated.
According to the advisory, the applicable excise duty on imported sugar is Ksh40 per kilogramme. KRA further stated that a punitive charge of KSh460 per kilogramme or 100 per cent, whichever is higher, applies to illegal sugar seized.
The authority warned that individuals and businesses involved in transporting, distributing or selling uncustomed goods risk having their goods and vehicles seized, alongside financial penalties and prosecution under the law.
“Public support and timely sharing of information remain critical in disrupting smuggling networks, protecting government revenue and promoting a level playing field for compliant businesses,” KRA said.
