What Is The Role Of Customs In Border Security And Societal Protection?

Over time, the world has become increasingly interconnected. The Role of Customs administrations in safeguarding national borders and protecting societies from harmful products cannot be overstated.

Customs agencies are the first line of defense against illicit trade, smuggling, and the infiltration of dangerous goods that threaten public health, safety, and economic stability. Within the East Africa region, Kenya’s Customs administration has emerged as a leader in implementing innovative strategies to secure borders and protect its citizens.

The Customs administration has adopted a proactive approach to border security, recognizing that the challenges of globalization, terrorism, and transnational crime require dynamic and adaptive solutions. Kenya Customs has deployed Officials at all gazetted points of entry, including airports, seaports, and land borders. This ensures that every consignment, whether it arrives by air, sea, or land, is thoroughly inspected. For instance, at the bustling port of Mombasa, which serves as a gateway for trade in East and Central Africa, Customs officials work tirelessly to intercept counterfeit goods, narcotics, and other illicit products. This has significantly reduced the influx of harmful products into the country.

Moreover, Kenya Customs has partnered with development partners such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), Trademark Africa, and the World Bank, among others, to equip border stations with state-of-the-art technology. These partnerships have enabled the installation of scanners, surveillance systems, and other tools that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of inspections. For example, the use of non-intrusive inspection technology at border points has allowed Customs officers to detect concealed contraband without the need for physical searches, thereby speeding up the clearance process while maintaining security.

For Kenya Customs, border security is not a solo endeavour. Collaboration with Customs administrations of the East Africa Community (EAC), such as those in Tanzania and Uganda, has been instrumental in enhancing surveillance and intelligence sharing. Joint operations and coordinated patrols along shared borderlines have disrupted smuggling networks and reduced the flow of illicit goods across borders. For instance, the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda at the Malaba border post has led to the interception of smuggled goods, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals that pose a significant risk to public health.

Additionally, Kenya Customs works closely with other government agencies, such as the National Police Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service, to conduct patrols and surveillance along porous borderlines. This inter-agency cooperation has been particularly effective in addressing challenges such as wildlife trafficking and the smuggling of hazardous materials. The use of motorcycles for patrols along remote borderlines, such as those in the arid regions of northern Kenya, has further enhanced mobility and responsiveness in areas where traditional vehicles cannot operate.

Kenya’s diverse border dynamics require a tailored approach to Customs operations. For example, some borders are prone to insecurity and smuggling, thereby demanding heightened vigilance and specialized strategies. In contrast, others that see significant cross-border trade require a focus on facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining security. Kenya Customs has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in addressing these varying challenges, ensuring that operations are context-specific and effective.

The aspiration is to continually leverage cutting-edge technology to further enhance Customs operations. Of keen interest is the exploration of tools such as drones and body-worn cameras represent a forward-thinking approach to border security. Drones can provide real-time aerial surveillance of remote and inaccessible border areas, while body-worn cameras can ensure transparency and accountability in Customs operations. These technologies will not only improve efficiency but also enhance the accuracy of inspections and reduce the risk of human error.

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Dr. Lilian Nyawanda is the Commissioner Customs & Border Control at the Kenya Revenue Authority