The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has broken its silence regarding the body cameras issued to customs officers across the country following public concern. This comes after the authority rolled out body cameras for customs officers across the country to enhance transparency while conducting inspections. However, this move has been met with concern from some Kenyans on X, citing issues of privacy.
Some people on X asked about the data and whether it would be abused. KRA responded to this concern on Wednesday, stating that the body cameras are processed under Kenya’s data protection law.
“The recordings are processed in line with lawful processing under the Data Protection Act. The body-worn cameras are intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and proper documentation of official interactions at the border.”
The Data Protection Act of 2019 of Kenya is the law that governs data handling. The video recording of a place under surveillance is considered personal data, and therefore there are strict regulations governing it. The organizations that install such equipment are obligated to inform the public that they are entering a monitored area. The cameras should be focused only at specific areas of interest for security and performance of duties. Sensitive areas like bathrooms, changing rooms, and homes should not be under surveillance.
The law for body-worn cameras by authorities also requires a privacy impact assessment to be done and measures to be taken to prevent unauthorized use of the equipment and access to the recorded data.
The main impact of the newly installed cameras is that they will record interactions between customs officers and travelers at customs. This will create a record of the process, especially in cases where tax charges are brought against travelers or complaints of officer conduct are raised.
The overall objective of the installation of cameras is to enhance accountability and protect both officers and the public in customs procedures.