KRA picks former military man to head new border security unit

Col (Rtd) James Wahome Kariuki: Head of Enforcement and Border Control at KRA. PHOTO | COURTESY 

By ALLAN ODHIAMBO

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has hired James Wahome Kariuki, a former head of operations at the Kenya Defence Forces, to head its newly created border security unit.

The new unit is tasked with monitoring cargo and human movement to prevent tax leaks and tackle security threats.

Mr Kariuki assumes office on Monday as deputy commissioner and head of enforcement and border control—becoming the first high-profile appointee from outside KRA departmental ranks. 

The official will be tasked with designing and implementing a national border security strategy and control structure, participate in national border security committees and with advising the agency on critical border security issues.

Hundreds of Customs officials with security training were in 2014  redeployed to border entry points in a major security shake-up that saw KRA commissioner-general John Njiraini incorporated into the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC).

The committee chaired by Joseph Kinyua, the Head of Public Service, prepares briefs for President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The border control officers (BCO) work in collaboration with the Kenya Police Service following a presidential order that brought all security agencies under a single cohesive unit. They collaborate with security committees in their respective station areas and share intelligence with their national office.

Kenya faces security threats from the Somalia militant group, Al-Shabaab and there has also been concern about the incessant trafficking of small arms, drugs and contraband sugar worth millions of shillings.

Since August 2014, the KRA requires that all passengers transiting through the country’s borders by road must have all their personal belongings checked by its officers to enhance security and curb tax evasion.

The mandatory inspection covers items carried in passenger buses, trucks, private cars and motorcycles.

The KRA said the task is carried out within the provisions of the EAC Customs Management Act, which requires that all persons declare their belonging at the points of entry and exit to ensure conformity with the rules on safety and tax payment.

Porous borders have been blamed for rising insecurity within the region while traders have had to contend with unfair competition from goods smuggled into the market.