The Kenya Revenue Authority has introduced body-worn cameras as its latest tool in the ongoing battle against bribery and tax evasion. This new initiative involves the deployment of 350 cameras specifically for officers operating in high-stakes environments like customs and border control. The rollout initially kicked off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, but officials plan to expand the use of these devices to all enforcement teams that deal directly with the public and cargo handlers.
The strategy behind this move is straightforward: total transparency through real-time recording. By capturing every interaction between tax officials and taxpayers, the agency aims to create a digital paper trail that discourages illicit deals. Reports understands that the video evidence is expected to play a major role in resolving disputes and exposing any collusion between staff members and individuals looking to dodge their tax obligations. This technological shift is seen as a necessary step to clean up sectors where corruption has long hindered the country’s revenue collection.
This deployment is happening at a time when the agency is under intense pressure to weed out internal graft. Over the last few years, the revenue authority has conducted various lifestyle audits and internal probes, leading to the recovery of approximately KSh 549 million in unexplained wealth. These investigations also resulted in dozens of dismissals after it was discovered that some officers were actively helping businesses under-declare goods or manipulate records to avoid paying duties.
Beyond the use of bodycams, there is a broader push to modernize how taxes are collected across the board. Zoyols Blog has gathered that the agency is increasingly linking its internal systems with commercial banks and mobile money platforms like M-Pesa. Other measures include the use of electronic tax registers and the installation of monitoring cameras at factories producing excisable goods. The ultimate objective is to close existing revenue leaks and boost government funds through better compliance, rather than relying on the introduction of new, controversial taxes.
