KRA Intensifies Border Surveillance in Fight Against Illicit Trade

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has warned smugglers of an intelligence-led crackdown. The authority says illicit traders create an unfair playing field for law-abiding businesses.

KRA Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement Mohamed Abdul M’maka issued the warning on Monday in Mombasa County.

According to M’maka, KRA maintains a presence at all border points across Kenya. The department works alongside other government agencies. Together, they gather intelligence on smuggling networks and illicit trade schemes.

KRA Crackdown on Smugglers Backed by Cross-Agency Intelligence

“We have the capacity in terms of manpower and our strategic partnerships with other government agencies,” M’maka said. “We have a footprint across the border points across the country where part of the work we do is collect intelligence on perpetrators of illicit trade schemes.”

In addition, M’maka outlined three core functions of his department. KRA detects illicit activity, disrupts smuggling networks, and deters future offences. It also uses prosecution and civic education to reduce tax evasion.

“We investigate, we prosecute, and deter the tax evasion schemes that are perpetrated by offenders,” M’maka said. Furthermore, he noted that most taxpayers remain compliant. However, the department specifically targets non-compliant individuals to protect the integrity of Kenya’s tax system.

Meanwhile, M’maka said smuggling directly harms law-abiding businesses. It creates an uneven playing field. As a result, KRA enforcement aims to level that playing field and protect honest traders.

He acknowledged resource constraints exist. However, he said cross-agency intelligence networks multiply KRA’s operational reach. They allow the department to do more without a proportional increase in budget.

Commissioner Visits Former Mombasa School Under KRA Alma Mater Programme

M’maka made the remarks during a visit to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Secondary School in Mombasa County.

The school is his alma mater. The visit forms part of KRA’s Alma Mater Programme. Through the programme, KRA leadership returns to former schools to mentor students and promote tax awareness.

In addition, the programme covers 32 selected secondary schools across Kenya. Sheikh Khalifa Secondary School is among the institutions on the schedule.

As part of Monday’s visit, KRA launched a Tax Club at the school. The club gives students a platform to engage with taxation and civic responsibility. It also connects learners to national development issues on an ongoing basis.

According to M’maka, the programme targets young people before they enter the workforce. “The only way we can impart those values is by bringing them at a very young stage to the learners while still they are in school,” he said.

Meanwhile, school principal Mr. Rishad Ramadhan welcomed the initiative. He said the commissioner’s return was a source of pride. “It has been a great honour and a joy to host one of our own,” Ramadhan said.