Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commissioned 350 Body Worn Cameras countrywide, becoming one of the few tax administrations globally, and the first in the region, to deploy the cameras. This marks a major milestone in the modernization of border management in Kenya.

The Body Worn Cameras will be deployed at all border points across the country to support evidence collection and enhance professionalism and transparency within customs operations. 

Speaking during the launch, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said that by accurately documenting officer-public interactions, the system will improve service excellence in the way we secure our borders and engage the public. 

“The presence of real-time recording is expected to enhance accountability, ensure transparency and foster mutual trust between the officers and the public,” said Mr. Wattanga. 

Wattanga noted that the adoption of Body Worn Cameras is a step toward cultural change, reinforcing integrity, professionalism, and public confidence in 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 will be supported by four data storage servers, integrated docking stations, and complementary docking systems. 

The Authority has also established a Central Command Centre to manage and monitor footage, ensuring structured oversight, secure storage, and proper review mechanisms. 

In addition, the cameras are equipped with real-time GPS positioning for location tracking, LTE connectivity to enable live streaming and remote monitoring, and securere cording capabilities. 

These features enhance situational awareness, strengthen supervision of field operations, and promote accountability at all levels of enforcement. 

Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said that the government remains fully committed to strengthening systems that facilitate legitimate trade while decisively confronting illicit activities that threaten the country’s economy and security. 

“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 noted that technology is no longer optional in public service, but rather a foundation for transparency, efficiency, and public trust. She added that the Government of Kenya continues to implement wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernizing service delivery across the public sector. 

“Through digital platforms, automation, and smart technologies, we are reducing excessive human interaction, strengthening compliance systems, and improving efficiency in government operations,” the PS said. 

On her part, Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Dr. Lilian Nyawanda said the deployment of Body Worn Cameras comes against the backdrop of increasingly complex enforcement environments. 

“In recent years, customs and border control officers have encountered organized 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. The new system addresses these gaps by enabling real-time recording, livestreaming, and secure preservation of audio-visual evidence to support investigations and prosecutions,” said Dr. Nyawanda. 

She added that customs officers will be required to wear the cameras during passenger clearance at international airports, verification of goods at seaports and inland container depots, operations at One Stop Border Posts, as well as during surveillance, border patrols, and the rummaging of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. 

The system will also support multi-agency enforcement operations and monitoring of customs-controlled areas such as bonded facilities and export processing zones. 

The Body Worn Camera system was officially commissioned today at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The initiative signals a new era of enhanced transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in customs enforcement.

Beyond revenue collection, KRA is mandated to facilitate 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 play a critical role 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 project has been implemented with support from development partners, including the World Bank, under broader initiatives aimed at strengthening coordinated border management. 

The launch at JKIA sends a clear message that Kenya’s borders are becoming more secure, its systems more transparent, and its enforcement mechanisms more responsive to the demands of modern trade and security.