Kenyan police fire tear gas at Nairobi protest against import duty hike
Summary
Police in Nairobi used tear gas to stop protests by small traders upset about higher import taxes. The new taxes raise the minimum cost used to calculate duties on imported goods, which traders say will increase their business expenses.Key Facts
- Kenyan police fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting import duty hikes in Nairobi.
- The protests caused many businesses to close in the city center.
- The new import duty takes effect recently and raises the minimum customs value for a 40-foot container from 2.5 million to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings (about $19,320 to $24,700).
- The Kenya Revenue Authority said the change aims to reduce under-declaration and undervaluation of imports, which harms honest businesses and local manufacturers.
- Traders say the higher minimum value will raise costs and hurt small businesses relying on shared shipments to save money.
- Protesters marched toward parliament to express their concerns.
- Many Kenyans are frustrated with rising living costs and distrust the government due to perceived worsening corruption.
- The minimum value is a reference point; importers with goods worth more must declare their true value and pay duties accordingly.
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