In Mombasa, Kenya, the High Court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from auctioning or interfering with various goods packed in 18 containers.
This court decision provides essential relief for Real Image Logistics Limited and 917 small-scale traders whose livelihoods depend on these goods. Issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the order stems from the logistics company’s petition alleging that the tax authority’s detention of the cargo is “oppressive and unlawful.”
The dispute centers on the KRA’s attempt to seize new shipments to recover an alleged tax debt owed by the company, an action the petitioner argues is a misuse of customs law.
According to documents submitted to the court by Real Image Logistics, the 18 containers currently detained at the port hold diverse goods belonging to nearly one thousand individual traders.
As the coordinator, the logistics company collaborated with North Link Cargo Ltd, Greatmail Logistics Ltd, and Nuh Mohamud to facilitate the importation, insurance, and clearance of these items. The tension began when the KRA classified the goods as “unentered” and threatened a public auction, citing a previous customs debt. However, Real Image Logistics strongly contends that this debt arises from an entirely separate transaction that has no connection to the current shipment.
Responding to the Revenue Authority’s enforcement measures, the company stated that the current cargo has no legal link to previous tax disputes. In its filing, the company clarified that the plaintiff is not responsible for the alleged historical debt, as the current shipments belong to various traders who were not involved in the earlier transaction.
Legal counsel for the firm added that while they are prepared to pay all lawful fees required for the current shipment, the KRA should not hold the property of 917 innocent traders “hostage” to settle a debt created by another party.
Beyond the threat of auction, Real Image Logistics highlighted the severe economic losses resulting from the detention.
The company pointed out that as long as the containers remain under KRA control, daily demurrage and warehouse storage fees continue to rise to an “unbearable” level. Furthermore, the firm noted the damage to its professional reputation, as the owners of the goods are exerting significant daily pressure to receive their property.
The High Court’s intervention serves as a temporary shield, ensuring the goods are protected from sale or transfer until a full legal hearing occurs. The court has ordered all parties to quickly submit their defense responses and evidence. The formal hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2026
