Customs strategies in controlling smuggling of goods in Kenya.
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Date
2019
Authors
Odago, Oscar Okoth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
KESRA/JKUAT - Unpublished research project
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of customs strategies in controlling smuggling of goods in Kenya. The study was guided by four specific objectives; effectiveness of physical border patrol, effectiveness of customs cooperation with other agencies, and effectiveness of one stop border post in controlling smuggling of goods in Kenya. The study was also guided by; routines activity theory, collaborative advantage theory, social impact theory and situational crime prevention theory. The study used a descriptive research design. The target population of this study was the customs staff at Namanga One Stop Border Post and Nairobi customs region. The study used stratified random sampling technique to determine a sample size of 214 respondents, which was 87.2% of the total 460 staff targeted. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The study employed a questionnaire to collect primary data. The questionnaire comprised of close-ended questions. The study generated qualitative data. Qualitative data was coded and entered into Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSSVersion23) and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was presented in form of tables. The study found that; Physical border patrol, Customs cooperation with other agencies and One stop border post as customs strategies had an effect in controlling smuggling of goods at Kenya borders. The study established that multiple agencies are required to work in harmony to complement the strategy since cooperation among agencies was found to be key for successful customs strategy. Physical border patrol, customs cooperation with other agencies and one stop border post explained 92.6% leaving 7.4% unexplained. The researcher concluded that there is need to evaluate other factors that contribute to success of customs strategy in controlling smuggling of goods at Kenya borders. The study recommended that all government agencies should adopt effective physical border patrols along the borders, and work in collaboration with other stakeholders such as communities living around border posts. The study sees border patrols would be effective through having informers stationed within given distances to cover wide areas. This would act as a better deterrence mechanism where they would also relay information to 24 hour surveillance centers. The informer approach would be more effective, especially along borders where customs is unable to deploy its officers on a 24 hour basis. Satisfactory levels of up to 85% would be achieved.
Description
PROJ 382.05 ODA
Keywords
Customs strategy, Non-Tariff Barriers, Physical Border Patrol, Preferential rules