Police in Kenya used tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in central Nairobi to oppose a recent increase in import duties. The demonstrations, which took place on Friday, resulted in significant disruption to the capital city, with hundreds of businesses shuttering either to participate in the action or for security concerns.
The import duty change, which became effective the previous week, raised the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings from 2.5 million shillings. Kenya’s revenue authority stated the adjustment targets the under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods, practices it contends disadvantage legitimate businesses and domestic manufacturers.
Small-scale traders argued the duty hike will increase the cost of importing goods and disproportionately impact smaller businesses that depend on consolidated shipments to manage import expenses. One protester, Muturi Kariuki, expressed the traders’ perspective to news agencies, stating their action reflected fundamental concerns about business rights and economic opportunity.
The protests occurred against a broader backdrop of public discontent regarding economic conditions. Observers noted the demonstrations reflected widespread frustration over rising costs of living and expenses, alongside deeper concerns about government accountability and trust. The revenue authority clarified that the 3.2 million shilling figure serves as a minimum reference point rather than a fixed assessment for all containers, with importers required to declare actual values and pay corresponding duties for goods exceeding that threshold.
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