Kenyan police fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting higher import duties in Nairobi on Friday, bringing parts of the capital to a standstill as hundreds of businesses shut their doors.
The traders say the new charges will increase the cost of importing goods and put additional pressure on small businesses already struggling with rising expenses.
Police used tear gas as protesters gathered and marched through central Nairobi. Many traders had closed their shops before joining the demonstrations, while others reportedly shut down because they feared for their safety.
Traders Protest Rising Import Costs
The demonstrations followed a change in Kenya’s import duty system that took effect last week.
Under the new rules, the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container has increased to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings ($24,700) from 2.5 million shillings ($19,320).
Traders argue that the increase will make imported products more expensive.
Many small businesses rely on consolidated shipments because sharing container space can reduce transportation and import costs. They fear the higher customs benchmark will leave them with significantly larger bills.
Muturi Kariuki, one of the traders who joined Friday’s protest, said demonstrators were defending their right to operate businesses and build their livelihoods.
“We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business and our right to build our future,” Kariuki said.
Businesses Close Across Central Nairobi
The protests affected commercial activity in parts of Nairobi.
Hundreds of traders closed their businesses as demonstrations spread through the city centre.
Some joined the protests directly, while others kept their shops closed because of concerns about possible clashes or disruption.
The protesters marched toward parliament to demand that the government reconsider the import duty changes.
The demonstrations also reflected wider frustration among many Kenyans over the rising cost of living.
Government Defends Import Duty Changes
Kenya’s revenue authority says the new customs benchmark has a different purpose.
Officials say the change aims to tackle the under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
According to the authority, some importers have declared goods at values below their actual worth. Officials argue that such practices disadvantage businesses that comply with customs rules and can also hurt local manufacturers.
The revenue authority has stressed that the 3.2 million shilling figure does not represent a fixed value for every container.
Instead, it serves as a minimum reference point for customs purposes.
Importers whose goods are worth more than that amount must declare their actual value and pay the appropriate duties.
Cost of Living Adds to Frustration
The import duty dispute comes as many Kenyan businesses and households face higher costs.
For small traders, increased import expenses can quickly affect profit margins.
Businesses may have to raise prices to cover additional costs, potentially making goods more expensive for consumers.
That has added to concerns among traders who already face pressure from rising operating expenses.
The demonstrations therefore extend beyond the customs policy itself. Many protesters see the duty increase as another financial burden at a time when they are already struggling to keep their businesses running.
Growing Distrust in Government
The Nairobi protests also reflect wider public frustration with the government.
Reporting from the capital, Al Jazeera said many Kenyans feel they are being asked to pay more while receiving less in return.
Concerns about corruption have further contributed to public distrust.
Against that backdrop, the import duty increase has become a flashpoint for small traders who say the government should consider the impact of higher costs on businesses and consumers.
For now, traders are demanding greater attention to their concerns as authorities defend the policy as an effort to improve customs compliance.
The confrontation highlights the difficult balance Kenya faces between increasing government revenue, protecting compliant businesses and keeping costs manageable for small traders.
