Authors : Evans Momanyi Getembe

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/sc3tfnap

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yscr56wu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14915616

Abstract : Kenya's porous regional and international land and water borders significantly influence its revenue collection and socio-economic development. While the free movement of goods and people across these borders presents economic opportunities, it also poses major challenges, particularly in customs revenue collection, trade regulation, and investment. This study explores the impact of border porosity on these aspects and evaluates the effectiveness of government interventions in mitigating the associated risks. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Primary data was gathered through surveys and interviews with customs officials, border security personnel, traders, and policymakers. Secondary data was sourced from government reports, academic studies, and publications by international organizations such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the World Bank. Government efforts to enhance border security include increased surveillance, personnel deployment, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions such as electronic cargo tracking and automated tax systems. However, challenges such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent enforcement of trade policies persist, undermining these interventions. The complexity of cross-border trade regulations further exacerbates the situation, making it difficult to curb illegal trade and enhance tax compliance. The study concludes that addressing border porosity requires a comprehensive approach. Key recommendations include strengthening border control measures through advanced surveillance technologies, enhancing regional cooperation to harmonize trade policies, and improving border infrastructure. Additionally, formalizing cross-border trade by simplifying customs procedures and offering incentives for compliance can contribute to increased revenue collection, fair trade, and sustainable economic growth.

References :

1. African Development Bank (AfDB). (2020). the impact of illegal trade on regional economies: A case study of Uganda and Kenya. African Development Bank Group.
2. Andreas, P. (2020). Border security and the politics of international borders. Polity Press.
3. Balassa, B. (2019). The theory of economic integration. Routledge.
4. Baldwin, R. (2008). The economic integration of the world: Regionalism and trade liberalization. Oxford University Press.
5. Baldwin, R. (2008). The Political Economy of Regional Integration: Theories, Evidence, and Policy. Routledge.
6. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.
7. Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
8. Chege, M. (2017). Revenue leakages due to smuggling and informal trade in East Africa. Economic Policy Research Centre.
9. Chege, P. (2017). Cross-Border Trade and Revenue Collection in East Africa. East African Publishers.
10. Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
11. IMF. (2019). Revenue Mobilization in Developing Countries. International Monetary Fund.
12. Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). (2022). Annual report on revenue collection and border security management in Kenya.
13. KRA. (2021). Annual Revenue Report. Kenya Revenue Authority.
14. Mugambi, D. (2018). Smuggling and Revenue Leakages in Kenya: A Case Study of the Tanzania-Kenya Border. Journal of East African Studies, 12(3), 215-234.
15. Mugambi, J. (2018). The impact of smuggling on tax collection in East Africa: A case study of Tanzania and Kenya. East African Journal of Economics.
16. Mugambi, K. (2018). The impact of porous borders on trade and economic development in Kenya. Nairobi: University of Nairobi Press.
17. Mutua, J. (2020). Smuggling and Revenue Leakages in Kenya. African Economic Research Consortium.
18. Odhiambo, G. (2020). Border Security and Economic Development in Kenya. University of Nairobi Press.
19. Odhiambo, J. (2020). The Socio-Economic Impact of Porous Borders in Kenya: A Case Study of Informal Trade. Nairobi: East African Press.
20. Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis using IBM SPSS (7th ed.). Routledge.
21. Steinmo, S. (2018). The fiscal sociology of taxation: An overview. Cambridge University Press.
22. Tilly, C. (1990). Coercion, Capital, and European States: AD 990-1992. Blackwell.
23. World Bank. (2021). Informal Trade and Its Impact on Economic Development in the East African Community. World Bank Report.