Hundreds of imported goods stored at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) warehouse are at risk of being auctioned off due to delays in collection by businesses and individuals.

This situation unfolds amid challenging economic conditions, where companies are striving to survive the financial strain, and individuals face decreasing disposable incomes.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recently issued a notice announcing plans to auction uncollected goods stored at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) customs warehouse.

The auction will take place 30 days after the notice’s publication, under powers granted by the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) of 2004.

The notice warns that any goods not cleared and removed from the custody of the JKIA Customs Warehouse Keeper within 30 days will be deemed abandoned and disposed of, including being sold via public auction.

The auction dates are scheduled for July 28 to August 1, 2025, and will be conducted through KRA’s online public auction portal.

Interested buyers will have the opportunity to inspect the goods at the JKIA Customs Warehouses, Forodha House, on July 24 and 25 during official working hours.

Several notable businesses, including Serena Hotel, The Hub United Oil (whose imports arrived in May 2022), Marketing Society, Rivera Tech, and Bowmans Kenya, have yet to collect their imported goods.

Goods remain uncollected for various reasons such as financial difficulties, problems with the products, exporter issues, or delays during the clearance process.

Financial struggles, including bankruptcy, may prevent businesses from settling outstanding obligations, making it impossible to retrieve imports.

Additionally, rising taxes and storage fees can increase costs to levels that discourage owners from clearing their goods.

Fluctuating exchange rates may either devalue goods or inflate clearance expenses, adding further barriers.

Goods that are damaged or of inferior quality may also be abandoned due to loss of interest by the importers.

Moreover, missing or incorrect documentation, permits, or customs declarations can result in goods being left unclaimed.