Kenyan Traders Protest Import Duty Hike as Police Fire Tear Gas

Kenyan police fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting against an increase in import duties in Nairobi on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The demonstrations disrupted activities in parts of central Nairobi as hundreds of traders closed their businesses to protest a new customs valuation benchmark introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

The new policy increased the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container from 2.5 million Kenyan shillings ($19,320) to 3.2 million shillings ($24,700).

The KRA said the measure, which took effect last week, was introduced to tackle the under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods. The authority said the policy would help protect compliant businesses and local manufacturers.

However, traders said the higher charges would increase the cost of importing goods and put additional pressure on small businesses that depend on consolidated shipments to reduce costs.

One of the protesters, Muturi Kariuki, said the traders were standing up for their right to do business and build their future.

Some traders shut their shops to participate in the demonstrations, while others closed their businesses for safety reasons.

The protesters marched towards Parliament to present their grievances to the government amid growing frustration over the rising cost of living and increasing business expenses.

The KRA clarified that the 3.2 million shilling figure is only a minimum reference value, not a fixed valuation for every container. Importers whose goods are worth more than that amount are required to declare their actual value and pay the applicable duties.

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