The Customs and Border Control Department has announced the public auction of cargo abandoned at the Eldoret International Airport, including smartphones and laptops.
The department made the announcement in the Kenya Gazette Notice released on Friday, October 13.
Traders were thus given up to 30 days to claim their property lest they fall under the hammer on November 15.
A section of the Kenya Gazette Notice, October 13, 2023
Photo
The Kenya Gazette
The electronics to be auctioned include over 160 pieces of refurbished and new smartphones, kids’ tablets, and soundbars.
Cosmetics and e-cigarettes of different flavours are also part of the goods.
The department cited section 42 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, arguing that it granted it power to sell the commodities.
It partly states that “Where any goods which have been deposited in a Customs warehouse are not lawfully removed within thirty days after deposit, then the Commissioner shall give notice by publication in the Gazette that unless such goods are removed within thirty days from the date of notice, they shall be deemed to have been abandoned to Customs for sale by public auction and may be sold in such manner as the Commissioner may deem fit.”
Notably, the Act provides that perishable goods and animals may be sold without notification once deposited at the warehouse.
In addition, proceeds of the auction may be used to offset expenses incurred by the airport, including rent and freight charges.
If the goods are not sold for a sum that can offset the above expenses, the commissioner may destroy them or dispose of them as appropriate.
Nevertheless, the owners of the goods may still apply to receive payment from the auction within one year from the date of sale.
Interested buyers can view the items at the Airport Cargo Sheds within two days, during office hours, on November 13 and 14, before the auction.
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