Kenya launches body cameras for customs staff in fight against bribery
The Kenya Revenue Authority said the cameras are a powerful deterrent against corruption and footage will ensure faster dispute resolution.
Kenya has rolled out body-worn cameras for customs and border control officers to help facilitate legitimate trade and travel, the revenue authority said.
The move will see 350 body cameras deployed at border points and is meant to “facilitate legitimate trade and travel”. Kenya is East Africa’s economic powerhouse and runs the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) - one of Africa's busiest transport hubs.
The Kenya Revenue Authority said the cameras are a powerful deterrent against corruption and footage will ensure faster dispute resolution.
“When the camera is rolling, professionalism isn't optional; it's the default. Recorded interactions raise the standard for everyone in the room,” the authority said on Tuesday in a statement.
It comes amid concerns over staff bribery and collusion schemes that have been blamed for abetting tax evasion, local news outlets report.
“We are committed to fairness. We are committed to integrity. And we are willing to be held accountable for it,” the tax collector said.
The devices are equipped with real-time GPS tracking, have secure recording capabilities and are capable of live streaming, according to local reports.