Police use tear gas against traders’ protest in Nairobi

Kenyan police used tear gas against small-scale traders protesting in central Nairobi against an increase in import duty. On Friday, the demonstrations halted activity in part of the capital, while hundreds of businesses suspended operations.

New customs benchmark

As Al Jazeera English reports, the changes took effect last week. They raise the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot, or 12-metre, container from 2.5 million Kenyan shillings to 3.2 million shillings. This corresponds to an increase from about $19,320 to $24,700.

The Kenya Revenue Authority said the new approach is intended to counter non-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods. According to the agency, such practices create unfavorable conditions for businesses that comply with the rules and for local manufacturers.

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Traders’ position

Protest participants said the additional costs would increase the price of importing goods and harm small businesses that use consolidated cargo to reduce import costs. Some traders closed their shops in protest, while others did so for safety reasons.

One of the protesters, Muthuri Kariuki, told Reuters: “We are standing up for our citizenship, our right to do business and our right to build our future.” According to Al Jazeera, the traders were heading to parliament to convey their position.

The Revenue Authority stressed that the 3.2 million shilling amount is a minimum benchmark, not a fixed value for every container. Importers whose goods are worth more than this amount must declare their actual value and pay the corresponding duties.