Ebenyo © World Athletic
Ebenyo © World Athletic

Joycilline Jepkosgei's and Daniel Ebenyo belongings seized by KRA at JKIA after Chicago Marathon exploits

Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 17.10.24. | 12:11

Athletics Kenya did intervene in Jepkosgei’s case.

Kenyan marathoners Joycilline Jepkosgei and Daniel Ebenyo faced an unexpected hurdle upon their return to Kenya after competing in the Chicago Marathon held on Sunday, 13 October.

Both secured fifth-place finishes: Jepkosgei with a time of 2:20:51 and Ebenyo clocking 2:06:04.

In a troubling turn of events, the two claimed that customs officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) detained their belongings at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over customs duty concerns. Among the valuable possessions were training shoes.

Upon arrival, Jepkosgei took to a public athletics official group to raise awareness about the situation.

"We arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from the Chicago Marathon and need help here at the airport. KRA officers have taken two bags of training shoes, charging 19,000 shillings for each pair. Kindly help,” she posted.

She clarified that the shoes were intended for her training mates in Iten and were not for commercial purposes.

On his side, Ebenyo’s belongings were also seized due to their valuation of over Ksh 350,000, which exceeds the duty-free allowance. KRA exempts items valued under Ksh 260,000 from customs duty, but anything above that threshold is subject to taxation.


According to Athletics Kenya’s Youth and Development Chairman Barnaba Korir, every athlete must comply with customs regulations to maintain good relations with KRA. “Rules must be followed, and athletes must adhere to them, or we risk attracting the wrath of KRA, which has been kind to us,” Korir stated.

He made it clear that Athletics Kenya would not intervene on behalf of athletes if there was any indication that the items were intended for commercial gain.

“Every item entering the country must have the name of the athlete it will benefit, and we will ensure that happens,” he concluded.

Athletics Kenya did intervene in Jepkosgei’s case, noting that her luggage was intended to benefit the training camp in Iten and was not for commercial gain.



tags

Daniel Simiu EbenyoAthletics KenyaJoyciline Jepkosgei

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