KRA customs reforms fight corruption, enhance accountability, and spark hope amid fierce resistance.
Kenya is at a pivotal moment, battling corruption and championing accountability in its public institutions. Recent efforts by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to reform its customs department are a testament to the resolve needed to combat entrenched malpractices, led by Commissioner Lilian Nyawanda.
On a historic Friday evening, the nation celebrated two significant events. First, the swearing-in of a new Deputy President marked a milestone in political history. Meanwhile, at State House, KRA concluded its Taxpayers Month, a tribute to taxpayers' contributions and the unwavering commitment of KRA staff who facilitate the country’s revenue collection. During the event, Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga lauded KRA staff, saying their dedication shapes Kenya’s future daily. Even President William Ruto joined the applause, highlighting the shared pride in their achievements.
However, beneath the celebration lies a fierce battle to overhaul KRA customs. Commissioner Nyawanda’s reforms aim to eradicate corruption, enhance accountability, and introduce efficient systems. This process has been met with staunch resistance from individuals and networks seeking to maintain the corrupt status quo.
Centralising Customs Processes: A Bold Move
One of Nyawanda’s most ambitious reforms involves centralising the consignment release process. Previously, this process was decentralised, allowing customs officers at various points to clear goods. This autonomy created inconsistencies and opportunities for corruption. Centralising the process ensures uniformity and accountability, closing loopholes that allowed illegal practices.
Yet, this reform has been met with fierce opposition, especially from southern region officers and traders who benefited from the old system. Resistance has escalated to legal battles, with detractors leveraging Kenya’s judicial system to delay reforms. Some have even financed smear campaigns through bloggers and fringe media to tarnish the commissioner’s reputation and rally public sentiment against the changes.
Tightening Verification and Inspections
Another critical reform involves tightening verification processes. Previously, customs officers relied heavily on personal discretion to inspect and release goods, opening doors to bribery and corruption. The new reforms mandate stricter supervision and cross-checked inspections, leaving little room for dishonest practices.
Despite its benefits, these changes have sparked dissatisfaction among officers accustomed to the flexibility of the former system. For many, the increased scrutiny feels restrictive, adding to the internal resistance against the reforms.
Merit-Based Promotions: Dismantling Favoritism
Nyawanda has also introduced a merit-based promotion system, a departure from past practices rife with favoritism. This change seeks to reward performance and foster a culture of transparency. However, it has faced pushback from those who once rose through the ranks without accountability.
Progress Amid Challenges
Despite resistance, these reforms are yielding measurable results. In the first four months of the current fiscal year, KRA customs collected KSh 288.1 billion, a 13% increase compared to the previous year. October’s revenue surpassed Treasury targets, signaling the effectiveness of Nyawanda’s initiatives.
Yet, these victories come at a cost. Corruption cartels, deeply entrenched within KRA and beyond, continue to fight back. These networks involve traders and corrupt customs officers who bypass regulations in exchange for bribes. Officers enforcing the new standards often face backlash and public attacks orchestrated by these networks.
In one striking incident, an officer relocated under the restructuring openly declared himself “untouchable,” emboldened by influential allies. Such defiance underscores the magnitude of resistance Nyawanda faces as she strives to rebuild KRA customs.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges, the October surplus offers hope that change is possible. Nyawanda’s leadership proves that reforming even the most deeply entrenched institutions requires persistence and vision. Her success would transform KRA customs into a model of accountability, setting a precedent for public institutions nationwide.
This fight extends beyond revenue collection; it is a battle for integrity in public service. Nyawanda’s efforts deserve support from policymakers and citizens alike. For KRA staff aspiring to a culture of honesty, her reforms represent a beacon of hope. For Kenya, they signify progress toward a future where public institutions embody transparency and trust.
The road to reform is arduous, fraught with resistance at every step. Yet, every victory—no matter how small—brings Kenya closer to a customs authority that safeguards borders, secures revenue, and upholds integrity. Nyawanda’s fight is one worth supporting, for it shapes the nation’s future and redefines what public service can achieve.