Police use tear gas as Nairobi traders protest new import duty increase
Kenyan police deployed tear gas to break up a protest by small traders in central Nairobi after the revenue authority raised import duties, prompting many shops to shut.
On Friday, Kenyan police fired tear gas to clear small-scale traders gathered in central Nairobi to protest a newly implemented import duty increase. The Kenya Revenue Authority explained that the change, which took effect on Aug 20, is intended to curb the under-declaration and undervaluation of imports that disadvantage compliant businesses and domestic manufacturers. The new policy lifts the minimum customs benchmark for a 40-foot container from 2.5 million to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings, requiring importers with higher-valued cargo to declare actual worth and pay the appropriate duties.
Traders fear the higher threshold will increase clearance expenses and hurt small enterprises that depend on bulk shipments to keep costs low. Demonstrators, including Muturi Kariuki, voiced their determination to protect their right to conduct business, while many shops closed either in protest or for safety. Police have not issued a statement regarding the incident.
Why it matters
The protest highlights how higher import taxes can strain small businesses and trigger public unrest in Kenya.
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