KRA to go digital in curbing runaway illegal trade along Uganda border

MALABA, KENYA: The government is planning to put in place new improved digital custom systems at the Busia and Malaba borders to curb the smuggling menace.

Speaking in Busia, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Deputy Commissioner Kevin Safari said the tax collector was aware that some people were using shortcuts to ferry in goods from neighboring country to avoid paying tax.

Mr Safari disclosed that the objective of setting up the systems is to create level playground for the business community operating on the borders.

KRA has been unable to win the fight against illegal entry of goods from Uganda through porous borders.

For instance in Busia county business persons have established routes in Bulanda, Mulwanda and Adungosi where they are using to carry out the vice.

Once the system is up and running, one will not import or export any cargo unless you have a KRA PIN and you have been paying tax.

"If you do not have a pin you will not be able to trade not just internal trade even import and export and so everyone will have to comply by the directive," said Safari.

"We want to seal all loopholes along the borders that unscrupulous traders are using to smuggle. We want people to pay tax and do clean business," he added.

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