The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has in recent months stepped up its efforts to enhance border security and close revenue loopholes along Lake Victoria, a move which the agency says has boosted revenue collection.
In a statement on Thursday, October 30, the Authority revealed how its marine officers intercepted illicit and uncustomed goods worth Ksh3.9 million during its operations on Lake Victoria.
According to KRA, the crackdown led to the recovery of Ksh1.6 million in revenue that was largely linked to small-scale traders attempting to smuggle goods through various lake routes.
Speaking during a media familiarisation session at the Kisumu Port, KRA Customs Chief Manager Dominic Kengara noted that the KRA Marine Unit had in recent years intensified surveillance on Lake Victoria.
According to Kengara, the heightened vigilance curtailed illicit trade and the smuggling of uncustomed goods, narcotic drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items entering the country through lake borders.
"Our operations have greatly contributed to the reduction of illegal cross-border trade while promoting legitimate commerce through proper customs channels," said Kengara.
He went ahead to reveal that the most commonly smuggled goods through Lake Victoria include illicit liquor, timber, livestock, and sugar.
The Customs manager further highlighted that the reopening and expansion of the Kisumu Port have revitalised regional trade and significantly boosted revenue collection.
In his speech, Kengara stated that in the 2024/2025 financial year, KRA collected Ksh107 million at the Kisumu Port, up from Ksh30 million in the previous financial year.
He revealed that the main revenue driver was sugar imports from Tanzania and Uganda. "So far, between May and August 2025, approximately 4,600 metric tonnes of sugar were imported through the port, yielding over Ksh170 million in duties and taxes," he stated.
"Exports through the Port of Kisumu have also grown, with frequent consignments including petroleum products, ceramic tiles, wheat, and fertiliser," Kengara added.
Additionally, Kengara noted that marine clearance has helped decongest the Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts, citing that one vessel exporting petroleum products is equivalent to 135 tankers transporting similar consignments via land routes.
