KRA unveils new patrol boat to bolster maritime security, combat illicit trade

Chari Suche-KNA

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a patrol boat for the authority’s marine unit in a bid to safeguard the borders from illicit trade and to enhance maritime security.

The marine unit fleet, KRA 009, is a vital asset in the fight against illicit trade and the boost of maritime border security as it symbolizes not just a physical asset, but a renewed commitment to protecting the borders and securing the economy, said KRA Commissioner General (CG) Humphrey Wattanga.

He said that despite sustained efforts by multi-agency teams, illicit trade continues to pose a serious threat to the economy, public health, and national security.

Wattanga said smuggling of goods including contraband, narcotics, and weapons, undermines legitimate businesses, denies the government critical revenue, and places the lives of Kenyans at risk.

“As KRA, our mandate extends beyond revenue collection. We are a key player in national security through our role in border control. Working closely with other enforcement agencies under the multi-agency framework, we remain steadfast in our duty to protect the sovereignty and well-being of our country,” he said.

The CG added that the authority has adopted a wide range of strategic and technological interventions to stop the surge of illicit trade.

These include market surveillance, advanced risk analysis and targeting, real-time information sharing across agencies, multi-agency cargo verifications, deployment of K9 units, installation of scanners at entry points, and both land and water patrols.

He noted that KRA has prioritized establishment and strengthening of the marine unit after recognizing the vulnerabilities of the coastline and inland waters, particularly the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria.

He added that the East African coastline has long been targeted by smugglers and criminal syndicates, making the maritime enforcement capability not just necessary but urgent.

“With the launch of this new boat we are taking a bold step forward. The KRA 009 is not just a vessel, it is a symbol of our unwavering resolve to defend our borders, ensure the safety of our people, and promote fair trade,” Wattanga said.

He added that the boat will enhance the surveillance, interception, and enforcement operations across Kenya’s territorial waters.

He said that the authority is confident that the investment will significantly improve the ability to detect and deter illegal maritime activities and ensure that the marine corridors remain secure and lawful.

The CG expressed gratitude to other government partners and international collaborators whose support continues to be instrumental, and the KRA marine unit for the good work they are doing to secure the territorial waters.

On her part Dr. Lilian Nyawanda, the Commissioner Customs and Border Controls, said illicit trade thrives where border controls are weak, where there is limited inter-agency collaboration as corruption creeps into systems meant to safeguard the public good.

Nyawanda said the consequences are far reaching, ranging from stifled trade and reduced revenue collection, compromised national security, and deepened social and economic disparities.

“At Customs and Border Controls Department, we have a duty to stand guard at every national border to ensure that trade is conducted within the confines of the law and that the national security and economy remain protected,” she said.

She added that KRA has significantly enhanced the enforcement capabilities with the Border Control and Enforcement Division continuing to play a pivotal role in the interception of smuggled consignments and the recovery of evaded taxes.

“For instance, here at the Port of Mombasa between October and December 2024 alone, we recorded 1,164 custom enforcement offences, collecting over Sh491 million in taxes and an additional Sh77 million in fines and penalties,” Nyawanda said.