Kathmandu— Police in Nairobi, Kenya fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting a recent hike in import duties on Friday, bringing parts of the capital city to a standstill. Hundreds of businesses closed as protesters voiced frustration over increasing business expenses and the cost of living. The demonstrations centered around concerns that the new duty will disproportionately harm smaller enterprises reliant on consolidated shipments for affordable imports.
Import Duty Increase Sparks Protests
Kenya’s revenue authority implemented a higher import duty last week, aiming to address under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods. The change raised the minimum customs benchmark for a 40-foot container to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings ($24,700) from 2.5 million shillings ($19,320). Traders argue that this increase will significantly drive up import costs, particularly impacting small businesses who depend on consolidated shipments to reduce expenses.
Traders Voice Concerns
Protesters marched towards parliament in an effort to convey their message directly to lawmakers. Muturi Kariuki, a participant in the demonstrations, stated, “We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business and our right to build our future.” Many traders closed their businesses both as a form of protest and out of concern for their safety during the unrest.
Wider Economic Frustration
Reporting from Nairobi, Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb noted that the protests are occurring amidst broader Kenyan frustration with the rising cost of living. “There is deep mistrust in the government and a widespread perception that corruption is worse than ever,” he said, adding that many Kenyans feel they are being asked to contribute more while receiving less in return.
Kenya’s revenue authority clarified that the 3.2 million shilling figure serves as a minimum reference point, not a fixed value for all containers, and importers exceeding this threshold must declare their goods' actual worth.
(With inputs from Al Jazeera)
Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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