The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to launch body-worn cameras for its staff in a move aimed at transforming travellers’ and traders’ experience in the Customs and Border Control offices.
In a statement on March 9, KRA explained that the initiative aims to record interactions at entry points, providing a verifiable account of transactions and engagements between officers and travellers, importers, or traders.
“The Kenya Revenue Authority is set to launch Body Worn Cameras for Customs and Border Control officers, and this isn’t just technology. It’s a statement. A statement that every traveller deserves a fair, professional, and consistent experience at our entry points. That every officer deserves a clear, documented record of their work. That integrity isn’t just a value we preach, it’s one we can now prove,” read part of the KRA statement.
Why KRA is Set to Launch Body-Worn Cameras
According to the authority, customs is one of the most human-facing departments, where officers interact with thousands of travellers, importers, and traders every day.
The tax authority added that for many years, border-point disputes were often unresolved, with the outcome relying solely on conflicting accounts between officers and travellers.
The situation is said to have eroded public trust and left officers who followed proper procedures without a way to verify or prove their actions.
Also Read: KRA Intensifies Crackdown on Tax Cheats Filing Nil Returns
“For too long, “𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒” has been an uncomfortable reality at border points. Disputes dragged on. Trust eroded. And the officers doing their jobs right had no way to prove it,” KRA noted.
How Body-Worn Cameras Will Be Used
According to KRA, the body-worn cameras will ensure transparency by creating verifiable records of every interaction at border points, eliminating disputes based on conflicting accounts.
They will act as a deterrent against corruption, ensuring that professionalism is maintained whenever cameras are recording.
Additionally, travellers will experience more consistent and fair engagements, with structured interactions reducing anxiety and delays at entry points.
Also Read: KRA Explains Why You Still Owe Tax Even After Withholding Tax Is Paid
“Structured, consistent, and fair engagements at entry points mean travellers spend less time anxious and more time moving. That’s the experience Kenya’s airports and border posts should be known for,” the statement read.
The authority further confirmed that the cameras will ensure timely dispute resolution, as the footage allows complaints to be addressed in hours rather than weeks.
This recorded data will support smarter operations, enabling the Kenya Revenue Authority to identify gaps, improve training, and enhance service delivery.
In addition, KRA said that Kenya will align with global standards, adopting technology used by leading customs agencies internationally, signalling a step forward in modern border management.
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