KRA orders body cameras for staff in anti-graft crackdown
The tax agency has also listed the procurement of 20 external cameras, 60 data collection devices, and a dedicated system for hosting and live-streaming footage captured by the body-worn cameras.
In a bid to enhance transparency and curb corruption, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has ordered 350 body cameras for its officers, marking a significant step in monitoring staff interactions with taxpayers.
The tax agency has also listed the procurement of 20 external cameras, 60 data collection devices, and a dedicated system for hosting and live-streaming footage captured by the body-worn cameras.
More To Read
An order list to potential suppliers reveals that the body cameras will have two components: a front camera for high-quality video recording and photography, and a rear camera designed for video calls and real-time image transmission.
“Kenya Revenue Authority now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for supply, delivery, installation, commissioning and maintenance of body-worn cameras and related systems, including hardware, software, installation, commissioning, training and maintenance,” KRA said in its call for suppliers.
“The front camera will be for high-quality video recording and photography while the rear camera will be for video calls, providing stable and smooth image transmission.”
The cameras will be deployed to customs, border control, and enforcement officers to enhance transparency in their interactions with taxpayers. Some KRA officials have come under scrutiny for suspected collusion with tax evaders, negatively affecting revenue collection targets.
By recording interactions in real time, the cameras will document taxpayer engagements and how disputes are handled. This measure is expected to deter rogue employees accused of soliciting bribes while turning a blind eye to tax evasion.
The Authority said interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information from the Deputy Commissioner, Supply Chain Management, Kenya Revenue Authority through [email protected] and may inspect the bidding document during office hours, 0900Hrs and 1600 Hrs (EAT), every day excluding weekends and public holidays at the address given below.
“All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of One Million Kenya Shillings (Sh1,000,000.00) valid for 210 days from the date of tender opening. Bidders can either submit an original hard copy of the bid security to be submitted in the Tender Security Box located on the Ground Floor of Times Tower Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi, or a digital bid security, which MUST be verifiable in the form of QR code or an online portal. Late bid security will be rejected and thus invalidate the respective bid,” it said.
It added that bids will be opened electronically promptly after closing time and bidders or their representatives are welcome to witness the opening on the 21st Floor, Times Tower Building on March 13, 2025, at 1100hrs EAT.
Employees' dismissal
KRA has intensified its internal anti-corruption crackdown, leading to the dismissal of dozens of employees and the recovery of significant sums through lifestyle audits.
Between July and September 2024, 44 KRA officers were dismissed for corruption-related offenses. In the quarter ending December, an additional 19 employees were fired—more than double the number recorded in the same period in 2023.
However, these sackings were slightly lower than the 25 dismissals recorded in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
Lifestyle audits have also played a crucial role in these efforts.
“In the financial year 2023/2024, forty-one lifestyle audits were conducted leading to the recovery of Sh549 million. Other key anti-corruption measures include profiling of tax evaders and the adoption of a whole-of-government approach, which promotes collaboration across public institutions to enhance compliance and curb evasion,” KRA said in a recent report.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga disclosed that the agency has established Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs) to strengthen accountability.
“The CPCs take appropriate administrative actions against any reported malpractices, reporting on emerging risks, and meet quarterly to evaluate the implementation of the Public Service Integrity Programme (PSIP) activities,” he said in December.
The tax agency has been under pressure from President William Ruto and the National Treasury to eliminate corruption within its ranks amid persistent revenue leaks linked to dishonest officials.
The President has particularly pointed to corruption in the collection of excise duty on products such as cigarettes, bottled water and spirits.
A recent audit of KRA’s financial records by the Auditor General’s office revealed the possible loss of 9,686,358 excise stamps in the financial year ending June 30, 2024.
The introduction of body cameras is seen as a significant step in ensuring greater oversight and reducing instances of tax fraud and bribery within the agency.
Top Stories Today
