Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commissioned 350 body-worn cameras for customs and border control officers, becoming the first tax administration in East Africa to deploy the technology at such scale.
The cameras will be used at border entry points across the country to support evidence collection, strengthen oversight and improve transparency in customs operations.
The system was officially launched at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi as part of broader reforms aimed at modernising Kenya’s border management systems.
Technology to Improve Accountability
Speaking during the launch, Humphrey Wattanga, Commissioner General of Kenya Revenue Authority, said the initiative will enhance accountability by documenting interactions between customs officers and the public.
According to Wattanga, real-time recording will help improve service delivery and transparency in the way border officers carry out their duties.
“The presence of real-time recording is expected to enhance accountability, ensure transparency, and foster mutual trust between the officers and the public,” he said.
He added that the deployment represents more than just a technological upgrade, describing it as part of a broader cultural shift within the Authority aimed at reinforcing professionalism, integrity and public confidence.
Features of the New System
The body-worn camera system is supported by four dedicated data storage servers, integrated docking stations and complementary charging infrastructure.
KRA has also established a Central Command Centre to monitor footage, manage recordings and ensure secure storage and review of audio-visual evidence.
Each camera is equipped with several advanced features, including:
- Real-time GPS positioning for location tracking
- LTE connectivity enabling live streaming and remote monitoring
- Secure recording capabilities to preserve evidence
Officials say these capabilities will improve situational awareness in the field while strengthening supervision of customs enforcement activities.
Wider Government Digital Reforms
Speaking at the commissioning event, Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to digitise public services and strengthen oversight systems.
She noted that modern technology is increasingly central to improving transparency and efficiency in government operations.
“When technology, integrity and inter-agency collaboration come together, we create borders that are not only secure but also efficient for trade and travel,” she said.
Mbaika added that the government is investing in digital platforms, automation and smart technologies to reduce excessive human interaction and strengthen compliance systems across public sector operations.
Addressing Complex Enforcement Challenges
According to Lilian Nyawanda, Commissioner for Customs and Border Control at Kenya Revenue Authority, customs officers increasingly face complex enforcement environments, including organised smuggling networks and high-risk operations.
She said investigations have sometimes been difficult to conclude due to the absence of reliable photographic or video evidence.
“In recent years, customs and border control officers have encountered organised smuggling networks and hostile situations during enforcement operations, with some cases proving difficult to conclude due to a lack of real-time photographic or video evidence,” Nyawanda said.
The new camera system will address these challenges by enabling live recording, streaming and secure preservation of audio-visual evidence that can be used during investigations and prosecutions.
Where the Cameras Will Be Used
KRA officers will be required to wear the cameras during a wide range of operational activities, including:
- Passenger clearance at international airports
- Verification of cargo at seaports and inland container depots
- Enforcement operations at One Stop Border Posts
- Border patrol and surveillance activities
- Inspection of vessels, vehicles and aircraft
The system will also support multi-agency enforcement operations and monitoring of customs-controlled areas such as bonded warehouses and export processing zones.
Support From Development Partners
The project has been implemented with support from international development partners, including the World Bank, as part of broader initiatives to strengthen coordinated border management in Kenya.
Customs administrations play a critical role in safeguarding borders while facilitating international trade.
Beyond revenue collection, the Authority is also responsible for protecting the country against illicit trade, including smuggling of counterfeit goods, narcotics, weapons and other prohibited items.
Officials say the deployment of body-worn cameras will help modernise enforcement systems as global trade volumes and cross-border movements continue to grow.
The launch at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport marks what the Authority described as a new phase in efforts to strengthen transparency, operational efficiency and accountability in customs enforcement.
