(NAIROBI) – The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced plans to sell large consignments of sugar originally destined for South Sudan through a public online auction scheduled for February 9 to 13, 2026. The move follows the failure by importers to clear and remove the goods from customs custody within the legally required time frame.
In a notice dated January 3, 2026, the authority said the sugar is currently held at the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi. Under regional customs law, goods that remain unclaimed for thirty days after notice are considered abandoned and may be disposed of through sale or other means permitted by law.
The auction will be conducted through the official Kenya Revenue Authority online bidding portal. Prospective buyers will be allowed to physically inspect the goods at designated storage locations on February 6 and 7, 2026, during normal working hours, before submitting bids online.
Most of the sugar listed for auction consists of Brazilian white and brown sugar packed in consignments of about 540 packages per container. The goods were shipped by different vessels between August 10 and August 31, 2025, and were consigned to trading companies whose declared country of destination was South Sudan.
For South Sudan, where sugar is a key household commodity and largely imported through regional corridors, the auction highlights ongoing logistical and regulatory challenges affecting cross border trade. Delays in clearance and transit can expose traders to losses and disrupt supply chains, particularly at a time when import costs remain high.
A summary of the main sugar consignments listed for auction is shown below.
| Lot reference | Vessel | Packages | Sugar type | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8605/EMK/CWH/25 | Maersk Cairo | 540 | White crystal sugar | South Sudan |
| 8506–8510/EMK/CWH/25 | Maersk Cape Town | 540 each | White crystal sugar | South Sudan |
| 8511–8512/EMK/CWH/25 | Marathopolis | 540 each | Brown sugar | South Sudan |
In addition to sugar, the authority has listed other goods that were also intended for South Sudan. These include clear float glass, household items, packaged foods, electrical accessories, solar equipment, ropes, car batteries and assorted industrial supplies. Some goods destined for the Kenyan market are also included.
The Kenya Revenue Authority said all items will be sold as they are, and bidders will be required to comply with applicable tax and collection rules after purchase.