NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has sounded the alarm over the increasing theft and vandalism of cargo tracking seals along the crucial Mombasa-Malaba highway, citing growing concerns from long-distance truck drivers.
The drivers, whose cargo is monitored by these seals, have voiced frustration over repeated incidents that impede their clearance at border crossings.
KRA Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement, Chege Macharia, revealed that the thefts are primarily motivated by a surprising twist: the batteries inside the tracking seals.
According to Macharia, the criminals are not after the cargo but the batteries, which are used to power homes in rural counties like Busia.
“These batteries are stolen not for cargo theft, but for domestic use in lighting homes. The belief is that they retain charge for extended periods,” Macharia explained.
With truck drivers feeling the heat, a special investigative team has been formed to combat the problem.
The task force, comprising members from the National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), and KRA, has been mobilized to trace and recover the stolen seals.
“We are taking swift action. Investigations are underway, and we have already identified several leads,” Macharia assured, adding that the public should assist by providing any relevant information to law enforcement.
He warned those involved in tampering with the seals to desist before the law catches up with them, emphasizing that the tracking system is critical to KRA’s revenue collection efforts.
To recover the missing devices, raids are set to be conducted along affected areas of the highway.
The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), a joint initiative by KRA and the revenue authorities of Uganda and Rwanda, enables real-time tracking of cargo from Mombasa to various destinations.
This digital platform uses satellites, monitoring centers, and electronic seals attached to containers and trucks to safeguard cargo during transit.
The system, implemented to improve tax collection and tighten enforcement of cargo handling regulations, is part of Kenya’s effort to remain a key trade route in East Africa.
However, theft of the seals has now become a costly burden for drivers, who face heavy penalties when the devices go missing.
Kenya Long Distance Drivers Association (KLDDA) chairman Sudi Mwatela expressed frustration over the situation, revealing that drivers are charged $2,500 (Sh322,550) per lost seal, an amount he described as excessive.
“It’s a requirement to have these seals, but theft is rampant when we park overnight. Sometimes, accidents destroy the devices, but KRA still insists on payment,” Mwatela lamented.
He called for increased police patrols along the highway to protect the seals and reduce the drivers’ financial burden.
The drivers, whose cargo is monitored by these seals, have voiced frustration over repeated incidents that impede their clearance at border crossings.
KRA Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement, Chege Macharia, revealed that the thefts are primarily motivated by a surprising twist: the batteries inside the tracking seals.
According to Macharia, the criminals are not after the cargo but the batteries, which are used to power homes in rural counties like Busia.
“These batteries are stolen not for cargo theft, but for domestic use in lighting homes. The belief is that they retain charge for extended periods,” Macharia explained.
With truck drivers feeling the heat, a special investigative team has been formed to combat the problem.
The task force, comprising members from the National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), and KRA, has been mobilized to trace and recover the stolen seals.
“We are taking swift action. Investigations are underway, and we have already identified several leads,” Macharia assured, adding that the public should assist by providing any relevant information to law enforcement.
He warned those involved in tampering with the seals to desist before the law catches up with them, emphasizing that the tracking system is critical to KRA’s revenue collection efforts.
To recover the missing devices, raids are set to be conducted along affected areas of the highway.
The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), a joint initiative by KRA and the revenue authorities of Uganda and Rwanda, enables real-time tracking of cargo from Mombasa to various destinations.
This digital platform uses satellites, monitoring centers, and electronic seals attached to containers and trucks to safeguard cargo during transit.
The system, implemented to improve tax collection and tighten enforcement of cargo handling regulations, is part of Kenya’s effort to remain a key trade route in East Africa.
However, theft of the seals has now become a costly burden for drivers, who face heavy penalties when the devices go missing.
Kenya Long Distance Drivers Association (KLDDA) chairman Sudi Mwatela expressed frustration over the situation, revealing that drivers are charged $2,500 (Sh322,550) per lost seal, an amount he described as excessive.
“It’s a requirement to have these seals, but theft is rampant when we park overnight. Sometimes, accidents destroy the devices, but KRA still insists on payment,” Mwatela lamented.
He called for increased police patrols along the highway to protect the seals and reduce the drivers’ financial burden.
