The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted 52 refurbished mobile phones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after customs officers flagged two backpacks carried by an airport cleaner during passenger clearance.
In a media brief issued on Saturday, October 17, KRA warned travellers that importing drones into Kenya is restricted and requires authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
“The importation of drones into Kenya is restricted and requires the relevant authorisation from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Travellers and importers are therefore required to establish and comply with the applicable regulatory requirements before bringing drones into the country,” the authority stated.
KRA said that the discovery was made after the cleaner attempted to flee when she noticed the officers, prompting them to stop her for questioning.
Some of the devices recovered by the DCI during a raid that yielded over 500 stolen smartphones and motherboards in Kisii, September 17, 2026.
DCI
“The interception occurred during the clearance of arriving passengers at the airport when Customs officers noticed an airport employee, specifically a cleaner, carrying two black backpacks as she exited the terminal. Upon being noticed by the officers, the worker attempted to flee but was intercepted for further questioning,” KRA disclosed.
She told customs officials that a female passenger had given her the bags and asked her to carry them through the customs area.
Officers subsequently screened the backpacks using a CT baggage scanner, which revealed electronic devices inside.
They traced the passenger, who had arrived on an international flight, and she confirmed handing over the bags while visiting the airport restrooms.
A review of her travel documents showed that she was a frequent traveller, after which officers conducted a physical inspection in the presence of both women.
The search uncovered refurbished mobile phones alongside the drones, their controllers, batteries and other accessories, including chargers, travel adapters and USB cables.
KRA said the items, which included two DJI Mini 3 Pro drones and one DJI Air 25 drone, have been secured at the customs warehouse pending further action.
The latest seizure comes amid intensified customs enforcement at JKIA, following an October 1 incident in which KRA officers intercepted 40 undeclared iPhones valued at approximately Ksh8.2 million from a passenger arriving from Dubai.
File image of a drone
File