By Eldoret Leo 
Returning from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, or any other part of the world? There is good news for Kenyan travelers.
The government has significantly increased the duty-free allowance for returning travelers from KSh39,000 to KSh260,000, allowing passengers to bring in personal goods worth much more without paying import taxes.
The new limit represents an increase of more than six times the previous allowance and is expected to benefit thousands of Kenyans living and working abroad who regularly return home with gifts, electronics, clothing, household items, and other personal effects.
For years, many travelers complained that the KSh39,000 threshold no longer reflected the realities of modern travel and rising global prices. A single smartphone, laptop, or a few household items could easily exceed the previous limit, often resulting in additional taxes at the airport.
With the revised allowance, returning Kenyans will have more flexibility when packing for their trips home. Families receiving gifts from relatives abroad are also expected to benefit from the change.
The move is likely to be welcomed by Kenya’s diaspora community, which continues to play a crucial role in supporting the country’s economy through remittances worth billions of shillings every year.
While the increase offers greater convenience for travelers, customs officials are expected to continue monitoring imports to ensure the duty-free allowance is used for personal items and not for commercial purposes.
For many Kenyans planning a trip home this year, the announcement could mean fewer worries at the airport and more room in their luggage for the things that matter most.