Kenya Revenue Authority Intensifies Fight Against Smuggling in Nyanza and Western Regions

Kisumu, Nyanza Region – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is stepping up its efforts to combat the influx of uncustomed goods in the Nyanza and Western regions of Kenya. KRA’s Customs, Border and Control Western Region Manager, Brian Mwachiro, announced an increase in surveillance measures to address the growing concern of goods entering the country illegally through the porous Kenya-Uganda and Kenya-Tanzania borders.

According to Kenya News Agency, during a media roundtable in Kisumu, unscrupulous traders are exploiting non-gazetted routes along these borders, resulting in significant revenue losses for the tax authority. To counteract this, KRA has implemented heightened surveillance along the two borders and other points of entry in Lake Victoria. Mwachiro noted that the deployment of intelligence and security officers across the region is already yielding positive results, with several interceptions of illicit goods.

KRA has also intensified patrols in Lake Victoria, with dedicated teams stationed at Kisumu pier, Mfangano, and Rusinga Islands, working tirelessly to curb smuggling activities. Mwachiro called on the public to assist in this endeavor by providing information that could help identify additional hotspots and enable KRA to effectively address the issue. He acknowledged the challenges faced due to staff shortages and the cunning tactics of smugglers but remained committed to tackling the illegal trade.