Millions of taxes lost as illegal trade thrives at the borders

Sugar, cement and other items imported illegally from Ethiopia into in Mandera County through river Daua. [Everlyne Kwamboka, Standard]

Unscrupulous traders are getting away with millions of shillings in taxes as they move commodities through the Kenya-Ethiopia and Kenya-Somalia borders.

Operating in areas perceived to be insecure, the traders have perfected the art of smuggling goods into the country since Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs offices at the border post control in Mandera County were closed in 2012.