The Port of Mombasa has surpassed its tax target by more than Ksh 17 billion in the first half of the 2020/2021 financial year.
Customs and Border control department, including its two border points, collected more than Ksh 200 billion beating its Ksh 183.578 target in the July - December financial year 2020.
KRA regional coordinator Joseph Tonui said they had worked hand in hand with local and international players to prevent contraband trade at the border.
“The port of Mombasa has become less attractive for smuggling and international crimes. KRA and other relevant local and international security agents have succeeded in preventing the port of Mombasa from being used as a conduit for contraband trade,” he said.
They had also put in place rigorous control measures that facilitated the collection of taxes.
"In line with the KRA's reforms and modernisation initiatives, customs has undertaken major programmes over the last decade which have yielded fruits especially this time of Covid-19 pandemic," said Tanui.
KRA recently regulated the Intergrated Customs Management Systems which have greatly improved the pace of cargo clearance at the port. Although the system is faulty, KRA assured that it would not derail the clearance of cargo at the port.
Importers are required to submit Import Declaration Forms (IDFs), sea manifests, security bonds, cargo declarations and exemptions through ICMS. The system will facilitate faster clearance, dynamic risk management and automated confirmation of exports.
According to the Chief Manager, Port operations, Abdumalik Hussein, the agency is now depending on technology to close previously experienced revenue gaps.
“The use of technology and the proactivity of customs officers who have been vigilant to ensure contraband trade is contained at the port of Mombasa have made the port look less attractive for smuggling and international crimes,” said Hussein.
