The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recently intercepted a significant shipment of illegal goods at the Port of Mombasa, preventing the smuggling of contraband cigarettes into Kenya. This operation, valued at Ksh280 million, highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illicit trade.

• KRA intercepted over 9.3 million sticks of contraband cigarettes with an estimated market value of Ksh281.1 million.
• The seizure involved a multi-agency verification team, including officers from KRA, Port Police, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA).
• The cigarettes were labelled "Made in Sudan" but originated from Cambodia, routed through Singapore, and were allegedly destined for South Sudan, with total taxes payable amounting to Ksh83,393,000.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on January 16 arrested four former Homa Bay County officials. This followed directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) regarding alleged procurement irregularities totaling Ksh 348 million.

• The EACC arrested the former Clerk of Homa Bay County Assembly, a former Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager, and a Director of Hartland Enterprises Ltd along with his wife.
• The ODPP investigation revealed alleged irregularities, including conflicts of interest and abuse of office, in the award of a tender for the Homa Bay County Assembly office block.
• The scandal is part of a broader pattern of alleged corruption in Homa Bay County, including Ksh 200 million for fictitious road projects and inflated costs for the Homa Bay County Headquarters from Ksh 480 million to notably Ksh 920 million.