KRA targets tax cheats with new scanners in Feb

Three new cargo scanners will be installed at the Kilindini port from next month as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) steps up efforts to curb contraband and revenue leaks through falsified cargo declarations.

The existing scanners would also be upgraded to provide sharper image quality and boost their speed and detection capabilities.

“We are upgrading our scanner infrastructure at Kilindini Port through the installation of three new container cargo scanners…civil works expected to commence within February 2016,” KRA commissioner general John Njiraini said.

The targeted new scanner systems will have an interchange with KRA’s supervision centre and the government’s current customs business system.

“We have also commenced tendering for the implementation of a national scanner management solution that encompasses the creation of back office command-and-control facilities to direct and manage cargo scanning operations,” said Mr Njiraini.

“Already five firms have been shortlisted for the next tendering stage which involves the submission of formal bids. Our expectation is to have a successful bidder selected and work commencing by July 1.”

KRA introduced scanners as part of a wider strategy to curb tax cheats who often made false declaration of goods handed for processing.

The agency has scanners at key points of entry including Kilindini port, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Eldoret International Airport, Inland Container Depot in Embakasi and a few Container Freight Stations.

READ: KRA in race for new cargo scanners, upgrades to seal revenue loopholes

The taxman is under pressure to improve on its collection amid missed targets that have plunged the Treasury into a cash crisis.

The scanners will supplement the operations of KRA’s new border security unit that is tasked with monitoring cargo and human movement to prevent tax leaks and tackle security threats.

Mr Njirani said the head of the new unit would be unveiled this week following a vigorous hiring process.

“In recruiting for the position, we set out security sector experience as a mandatory pre-condition for candidates to qualify. This will, therefore, be most probably the first high profile recruitment for Customs where the appointee will come from outside departmental ranks,” he said without providing further detail.

“We are confident that the person we have selected will not only help reinforce the change of focus, but in addition, will help professionalise Customs enforcement and security support operations.”

Hundreds of Customs officials with security training have already been redeployed to border entry points in a major security shake-up that saw Mr Njiraini incorporated into the National Security Advisory Committee.

The committee chaired by Joseph Kinyua, Head of Public Service, prepares briefs for President Uhuru Kenyatta.