The vessel, named KRA 009, is the latest addition to the authority’s growing marine unit fleet and will be deployed to boost surveillance and enforcement operations along the Indian Ocean.
The boat is equipped with modern navigation, communication and interception systems. It is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and respond swiftly to suspicious activities at sea.
Speaking during the launch of the boat at the Port of Mombasa on Monday, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the vessel’s deployment aligns with Kenya’s broader national security strategy and ongoing reforms in customs enforcement.
He praised the new acquisition as a “significant milestone” in the KRA’s multi-agency approach to border security and combating illicit trade, which continues to pose a serious threat to the country’s economy, public health and national security.
“KRA 009 is not just a vessel, it is a symbol of our unwavering resolve to defend our borders, ensure the safety of our people and promote fair trade,” Wattanga said.
He said the vessel will enhance KRA’s operational capability to detect, intercept and deter smuggling of contraband goods, narcotics, counterfeit items and even weapons that pass through Kenya’s porous maritime routes.
“Despite the strides made through coordinated multi-agency efforts, illicit trade remains a persistent challenge that undermines legitimate business, erodes public revenue and endangers the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
As part of its broader strategy, KRA has implemented a number of targeted interventions, he said.
These include advanced risk analysis and cargo targeting, real-time data sharing across agencies, installation of scanners at key border points, deployment of K9 units, as well as joint land and marine patrols.
In recognising the vulnerabilities of Kenya’s coastline and inland waters, particularly the East African seaboard, Wattanga said the strengthening of KRA’s marine unit is timely and necessary.
“This investment will significantly improve our capacity to detect and deter illegal maritime activity and help secure our marine corridors as safe and lawful routes for trade,” he said.
Others present during the event included KRA commissioner for customs and border control Lilian Nyawanda and top officials from government security agencies, the Kenya Coast Guard Service and international enforcement partners.
She underscored the importance of effective marine surveillance as a cornerstone of modern border control.
“Illicit trade manifests in many forms, from smuggling and transit diversion to counterfeiting and trading in restricted or substandard goods. These criminal activities rob the country of much-needed revenue, threaten public health and safety and deepen economic disparities,” Nyawanda said.
She cited recent enforcement statistics from the Port of Mombasa, where between October and December 2024, KRA Customs officers recorded 1,164 enforcement offences, recovering more than Sh491 million in taxes and Sh77 million in penalties and fines.
“These results are not by chance. They are a product of deliberate efforts, including investments in infrastructure, technology and training, especially for our marine unit,” she said.
The marine unit, operating under the customs and border control department, is mandated to patrol territorial waters, conduct searches, arrest suspects and seize smuggled goods.
It works closely with the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Navy and other national security agencies.
Nyawanda said effective border control also hinges on inter-agency collaboration, vigilance and public support.
“Illicit trade thrives where controls are weak and corruption creeps in. With this patrol boat, we are sending a clear message that KRA will not relent in securing Kenya’s borders. We call on stakeholders and the public to support our mission through timely information-sharing and cooperation,” she said.
