Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has begun equipping customs and border control officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with body-worn cameras in a bid to curb bribery, enhance accountability, and improve interactions with the public.
The new technology is part of a wider modernization drive aimed at ensuring professionalism and transparency in customs operations.
The cameras will record inspections, questioning, and other border activities, creating an objective record that can help resolve disputes or allegations of misconduct.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika described the initiative as a blend of technology, integrity, and collaboration across agencies.
“When technology, integrity and inter-agency collaboration come together, we create borders that are not only secure but also efficient for trade and travel,” Mbaika said.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Watanga said the cameras mark a milestone in strengthening public trust and professional conduct within the agency.
“We recognise the public’s expectation for transparency and accountability in government services. At KRA, we see this as an opportunity to build trust and improve how we serve citizens and businesses,” Watanga said.
In a statement released on March 10, 2026, KRA confirmed that 350 body-worn cameras have been commissioned nationwide, making Kenya the first country in the region, and among a few globally, to deploy such technology within a tax administration. The cameras will be installed at all border points to aid evidence collection and improve service quality.
“The presence of real-time recording is expected to enhance accountability, ensure transparency, and foster mutual trust between the officers and the public,” Watanga added.
The deployment comes amid growing concerns over corruption and collusion between some staff and tax evaders, which has allowed certain officers to amass wealth beyond their salaries.
Over the past year, KRA has disciplined numerous employees, recovered large sums through lifestyle and asset audits, and dismissed dozens of staff for corruption-related offenses, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to cleaning up its ranks.
Beyond increasing accountability, the cameras will also support officers handling complex smuggling operations and high-pressure situations, where investigations often face challenges due to missing evidence.
By providing secure audio-visual documentation of interactions in real time, the initiative strengthens enforcement, safeguards honest staff, and boosts revenue collection.
