Cooperation between Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and regional revenue bodies including Kenya Revenue Authority will soon lead to drastic reduction in cross border smuggling within the East African Region.  According to the Chief Representative, JICA Kenya Office, Mr. Yoshiyuki Takahashi, customs administrations in the region face rampant smuggling and tax evasion along their porous cross border lines.  The Commissioner of Kenya Customs Services Mrs. Wambui Namu added that the situation is worsened by uncoordinated surveillance activities in the region.  To counter this, JICA has been collaborating with member customs administration in East Africa since year 2007 with the aim of enhancing the region’s  enforcement capability through the introduction of joint border surveillance between the customs administrations.

It is in this context that on Monday the 30th of March 2009 JICA donated to KRA four Toyota Hilux Double Cabin pick ups fitted with modern communication equipment.  In addition, JICA donated four motorbikes, 2 radios for base stations, 12 mobile radios, 4 night vision scopes and four portable search lights.  An equivalent number of equipment will be availed to URA and TRA in due course.

The facilities will be deployed along common borders and will be available for use by enforcement agencies.  This measure is going to significantly enhance surveillance along the common borders.

Among those who attended the function included JICA Chief Advisor Mr. Osamu Mizui, Project Coordinator Mrs. Yukari Yoshida and KRA senior managers.