The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has stepped up its marine surveillance operations on Lake Victoria as part of a renewed effort to curb smuggling, enforce customs regulations, and promote lawful trade within the region.
According to Dominic Chengara, the Western Regional Head of KRA, the marine unit operates under the Customs and Border Control Department and covers ten counties in Western Kenya. The unit is tasked with patrolling Kenya’s controlled section of Lake Victoria to enforce customs laws and prevent illegal trade activities.
“Today we had engagements regarding marine activities and units for KRA, which deal with lake patrols and enforcement of customs laws and regulations that concern both the lake and the Indian Ocean,” Chengara said.
Combating Smuggling Through Water Routes
Chengara highlighted that criminal networks have increasingly turned to water routes to evade detection, prompting KRA to heighten marine patrols. He revealed that some intercepted goods originate from East African Community (EAC) partner states.
“Within the EAC, there are no duties paid between member countries, but when we intercept goods from people who have tried to use shortcuts, they realise they have saved nothing,” he explained, urging traders to embrace legitimate trade channels and seek guidance from KRA offices when needed.
The KRA official noted that the agency’s marine enforcement strategy focuses more on prevention than recovery, with officers escorting goods leaving ports to ensure there is no illegal dumping or diversion along the way.
Increased Enforcement and Results
KRA’s stepped-up efforts have yielded results. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the agency intercepted goods worth KSh 1.9 million, primarily from small-scale traders and fishermen using small boats. The figure rose to KSh 3.2 million in the financial year ending June 2025, reflecting stronger enforcement and greater vigilance.
“There has been a huge increase from KSh 1.9 million to KSh 3.2 million, and we hope to improve interception rates further. The key focus remains prevention and deterrence,” Chengara said.
Collaboration to Overcome Challenges
While acknowledging the vastness of Lake Victoria as a major operational challenge, Chengara underscored the importance of collaboration with other agencies, including the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), and Beach Management Units (BMUs).
“These agencies interact directly with people on the ground. When we work together, we increase our capacity and ensure we’re all moving in the same direction,” he added.
Boost in Revenue and Regional Trade
Chengara also reported an increase in revenue collection in the western region, attributing it to enhanced surveillance and rising compliance among traders. The growing number of large vessels docking at Kisumu Port, he said, reflects declining illicit trade and improved confidence in formal trade systems.
Meanwhile, KRA outlined key commodities currently being transported to Uganda through Kenyan ports. These include petroleum products (Automotive Gas Oil, Premium Motor Spirit, and Illuminating Kerosene), ceramic tiles, fertiliser, steel billets, and Hot Rolled Coils (HRCs). Shipments are handled through Port Bell and Jinja, with an average of four vessels per month carrying industrial goods and one to two vessels delivering fertiliser.
Mining equipment and spare parts, such as hydraulic components for heavy machinery, were also shipped earlier in 2025, with a wheat consignment scheduled for April 2025.
KRA said these movements demonstrate ongoing regional cooperation between Kenya and Uganda, consistent with the EAC’s trade integration and transit facilitation frameworks.
