The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has stepped up the war against tax evasion and cargo smuggling by deploying 350 digital verification gadgets to customs officers at the country’s border points. This comes as concerns over loopholes in cargo clearance have been growing, largely attributed to collusion between importers and corrupt officers.

The tablet-like devices—purchased from Nuctec Hong Kong Company Limited under a Sh2.38 billion three-year contract—will allow officers to capture real-time videos and photos of containers under inspection. These will be sent directly to Times Tower via integration with KRA’s iScan system.

What’s Behind the Move?

KRA processes 2,900 containers daily, with about 20% flagged for physical verification due to discrepancies picked up by scanners. However, there have been rising concerns over inaccurate feedback from field officers and suspected manipulation of inspection reports.

“Imagine if an officer provides wrong information after verification—it’s very dangerous,” said Albert Atambo, Chief Manager of KRA’s Scanner Management Unit.

To address this, the authority is deploying mobile cameras to improve visibility and accountability in container clearance. Officers will carry the gadgets during inspections, so every step is documented, stored and accessible to headquarters.

New Tools to Reinforce Oversight

KRA’s new digital arsenal includes:

  • 350 handheld verification gadgets

  • 350 body cams

  • 20 external surveillance cameras

  • 60 data collection devices

  • 2 petabytes of storage

These tools will plug the loopholes exploited by tax cheats, especially through misdeclaration and concealment of goods. The body cams and verification devices will work in tandem with KRA’s scanning systems to provide video-backed audits of container inspections.

KRA will also install CCTV cameras at unequipped border points and extend CCTV footage retention from three to six months. This will help in evidence retention in smuggling investigations and internal audits.

Contract Details with Chinese Firm

The contract with Nuctec—signed in October 2024—covers a wide range of infrastructure upgrades:

  • Upgrade of 13 out of the 26 existing scanners (supplied by ChinaAid)* Two training centres in Nairobi and Mombasa with 30 workstations each

  • 3,000 customs officers to be trained on the new technology

  • Product image repository to support upcoming AI-powered inspection system

Financials and Impact

In the financial year ending June 2024, KRA fined Sh627.5 million to individuals and businesses who concealed goods. The ongoing upgrades aim to increase detection, reduce revenue loss and improve transparency at ports of entry.

What’s Next

With increasing import volumes and sophisticated smuggling methods, KRA is going digital and AI to protect its revenue base. This could change how the taxman interacts with cargo, minimizes human error and holds officers accountable.

As Kenya beefs up its border security with technology, the real test will be how well these systems are implemented—and whether they will actually curb corruption within customs operations.