The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commissioned 350 Body Worn Cameras for use at border points across the country, marking a major milestone in the modernization of Kenya’s border management systems and customs enforcement.
The rollout positions KRA among the few tax administrations globally and the first in the region to deploy body worn cameras at this scale to enhance accountability, transparency, and professionalism in customs operations.
The cameras will be used to document interactions between customs officers and the public, support evidence collection, and strengthen oversight of border enforcement activities.
Speaking during the launch at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the initiative is designed to improve service delivery and strengthen trust between the Authority and the public.
“By accurately documenting officer–public interactions, the system will improve service excellence in the way we secure our borders and engage the public,” said Wattanga.
“The presence of real-time recording is expected to enhance accountability, ensure transparency, and foster mutual trust between officers and the public.”
He noted that the adoption of the technology goes beyond a technical upgrade, describing it as a step toward institutional culture change within the Authority.
“The deployment underscores Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding its borders while facilitating legitimate trade in an increasingly interconnected world. As the first tax administration in the region to operationalize Body Worn Cameras at this scale, KRA has set a new benchmark for innovation and accountability in customs enforcement,” he added.
The cameras are supported by four data storage servers, integrated docking stations, and complementary docking systems, alongside a newly established Central Command Centre responsible for managing and monitoring footage.
Equipped with real-time GPS positioning, LTE connectivity for live streaming, and secure recording capabilities, the devices will enhance situational awareness and enable supervisors to monitor field operations remotely.
The system is expected to improve the quality of evidence gathered during enforcement operations, support investigations, and strengthen prosecution of illicit activities.
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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said the government remains committed to strengthening systems that support legitimate trade while tackling illicit cross-border activities.
“When technology, integrity, and inter-agency collaboration come together, we create borders that are not only secure but also efficient for trade and travel,” said PS Mbaika.
She emphasized that technology has become a key pillar of modern public service.
“Technology is no longer optional in public service; it is a foundation for transparency, efficiency, and public trust,” she said.
“Through digital platforms, automation, and smart technologies, we are reducing excessive human interaction, strengthening compliance systems, and improving efficiency in government operations.”
KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Lilian Nyawanda said the deployment responds to increasingly complex enforcement environments faced by customs officers.
She noted that officers have recently encountered organized smuggling networks and hostile situations during enforcement operations, where cases have sometimes been difficult to conclude due to lack of real-time photographic or video evidence.
“The new system addresses these gaps by enabling real-time recording, live streaming, and secure preservation of audio-visual evidence to support investigations and prosecutions,” she said.
Customs officers will be required to wear the cameras during passenger clearance at international airports, cargo verification at seaports and inland container depots, operations at One Stop Border Posts, surveillance and border patrols, and the inspection of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft.
The technology will also support multi-agency enforcement operations and monitoring of customs-controlled areas such as bonded warehouses and export processing zones.
KRA plays a critical role not only in revenue collection but also in facilitating legitimate trade while securing Kenya’s land borders, territorial waters, and air entry points.
As global trade and cross-border movements continue to expand, customs administrations are increasingly serving as the first line of defence against illicit trade, smuggling, counterfeit goods, narcotics, weapons, and other harmful products that threaten public health, national security, and economic stability.
The Body Worn Camera project was implemented with support from development partners, including the World Bank, under broader initiatives aimed at strengthening coordinated border management.
The launch signals what officials describe as a new era of enhanced transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in Kenya’s customs enforcement operations.
