Kenyan police on Friday (Jan 24) fired tear gas to disperse traders protesting increased import taxes, forcing hundreds of shops in downtown Nairobi to close. The demonstration came amid growing public frustration over rising living and business costs.
Protesters argued that the new tax rates would drive up the cost of imported goods, hurting small businesses that rely on consolidated shipments to cut expenses. According to Reuters, one demonstrator, Muturi Kariuki, said: “We are standing up for our rights as citizens, our right to do business and our right to build our future.”
Kenya's tax authority said the higher import tariffs took effect last week, raising the minimum benchmark for a 40-foot container from 2.5 million shillings (about $19,320) to 3.2 million shillings (about $24,700). The agency explained that the increase aims to address under-declaration and undervaluation of imports, which it says disadvantages compliant businesses and domestic manufacturers.
However, protesters disagreed. Al Jazeera correspondent Malcolm Webb in Nairobi noted the rallies “come at a time when many Kenyans are unhappy with the rising cost of living, feeling they are contributing more but getting less.” He also highlighted deep distrust in the government and a widespread perception that corruption is worse than ever.
Kenya's tax authority stressed that the 3.2 million shilling figure is a minimum reference point, not a fixed value for every container. Importers whose cargo exceeds that value must still declare the actual worth and pay the corresponding taxes.
