Kenyan police fired tear gas to disperse traders protesting higher import duties in Nairobi, as businesses across the city centre closed during the demonstrations.
The Kenya Revenue Authority said the revised duty, which took effect on August 20, was introduced to address the under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
The agency said such practices put compliant businesses and local manufacturers at a disadvantage by allowing some importers to pay less customs duty than required.
However, traders have criticised the adjustment, saying it would increase the cost of importing goods and place additional pressure on small businesses that rely on consolidated shipments to reduce expenses.
One of the protesters, Muturi Kariuki, said traders were demonstrating to defend their livelihoods and their ability to operate their businesses.
“We are defending our citizenship, our right to earn a living, and our freedom to shape our future,” Kariuki said.
Kariuki was among traders who shut their shops during the protest, while other business owners also closed their premises over safety concerns, according to traders.
Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the demonstrations or the use of tear gas.
Under the revised customs rules, the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container has been raised to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings, equivalent to about $24,700, from 2.5 million shillings.
The Kenya Revenue Authority clarified that the new figure is only a minimum reference value and does not represent a fixed valuation for every container.
Importers whose goods are valued above the benchmark are required to declare their actual value and pay the corresponding customs duties.
Goodness Anunobi
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