JKIA, Nairobi, March 10, 2026-The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially commissioned 350 Body Worn Cameras for its customs officers, becoming the first tax agency in the region and one of the few worldwide to deploy the technology at scale.
The system was launched today at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), signalling a new era of digital enforcement at Kenya’s borders. The initiative with support from the World Bank positions technology as the cornerstone of a cultural shift within the Authority, aimed at reinforcing integrity, professionalism, and public trust.
“This is not just a technological upgrade; it is a strategic move towards cultural change,” said KRA Commissioner General Mr Humphrey Wattanga during the launch.
“By accurately recording interactions, we enhance service quality, ensure transparency, and foster mutual trust between our officers and the public.”
The deployment comes as customs enforcement faces increasingly complex challenges, from organised smuggling networks to hostile confrontations. The new cameras are designed to address these issues head-on by providing real-time, indisputable evidence.
Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Dr Lilian Nyawanda explained the operational necessity of the new tools.
“In recent years, investigations have stalled due to a lack of real-time photographic or video evidence. This system changes that by enabling live recording and secure preservation of audio-visual evidence to support prosecutions,” she stated.
Officers will wear them during passenger screening, goods verification, border patrols, and searches of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft.
The technology is supported by a robust infrastructure, including four data storage servers, integrated docking stations, and a newly established Central Command Centre to oversee footage management. Equipped with real-time GPS tracking and LTE connectivity for live streaming, the cameras allow for remote supervision and improve situational awareness during field operations.
This functionality will also be crucial for multi-agency enforcement operations and monitoring customs-controlled sites like bonded facilities and export processing zones.
The event also saw strong support from the national government, with Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, underscoring that technology is now the bedrock of public service reform.
“When technology, integrity, and inter-agency cooperation come together, we create borders that are not only secure but also efficient for trade and travel,” PS Mbaika stated.
“Through digital platforms and intelligent technologies, we are reducing unnecessary human interaction and bolstering compliance systems across the entire public sector.”
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