The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intensified its crackdown on smugglers and illicit trade networks as part of efforts to protect legitimate businesses and strengthen fair competition in the country.
KRA Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement Mohamed Abdul M’maka said the authority remains committed to pursuing, investigating, and prosecuting individuals and businesses involved in tax evasion and illegal trade activities.
Speaking during an alma mater visit to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Secondary School in Mombasa, M’maka said KRA has strengthened its intelligence systems, enforcement teams, and partnerships with other government agencies to curb smuggling operations across the country.
KRA Expands Intelligence and Enforcement Operations
According to the commissioner, KRA has established a strong presence at border entry points and key trade routes where officers gather intelligence and monitor illegal trade activities.
“We have the capacity in terms of manpower and our strategic partnerships with other government agencies. We have a footprint across border points in the country, where part of the work we do is collect intelligence on the perpetrators of these illicit trade schemes,” M’maka said.
He noted that the authority’s investigations and enforcement department plays a major role in detecting, disrupting, and deterring tax evasion schemes that deny the government revenue and disadvantage compliant traders.
Focus on Protecting Honest Taxpayers
M’maka said most taxpayers in Kenya remain compliant and that KRA’s main focus is on individuals and businesses engaging in illegal practices that distort the market.
“We investigate, prosecute, and deter tax evasion schemes perpetrated by offenders,” he said.
The commissioner added that tackling illicit trade is essential in protecting businesses that follow the law and pay taxes honestly.
According to KRA, illegal imports, smuggling, and counterfeit trade continue to affect fair competition by allowing non-compliant traders to avoid taxes and undercut genuine businesses.
Partnerships Key in Fight Against Smuggling
KRA also highlighted the importance of collaboration with security agencies and other government institutions in combating illicit trade networks.
M’maka acknowledged that while the authority faces resource constraints, strong partnerships and intelligence-sharing mechanisms have helped strengthen enforcement operations across the country.
The taxman says the ongoing crackdown forms part of wider efforts to improve tax compliance, enhance revenue collection, and create a fair business environment for all traders operating in Kenya.
