Kenyan police used tear gas on Friday to break up a demonstration by small-scale traders in central Nairobi who were protesting a new import duty rule, a Reuters witness reported.
Hundreds of shops in downtown Nairobi shut, some as part of the protest and others for safety, according to traders on the ground.
The Kenya Revenue Authority said the change took effect on Aug 20. The authority said it was meant to stop under-declaration and undervaluation of imports, practices it says put compliant businesses and local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Traders argue the adjustment will make it more expensive to clear goods and will hit small businesses hardest, especially those that pool shipments in consolidated containers to keep costs down.
“We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business and our right to build our future,” said protester Muturi Kariuki, who closed his shop to join the march.
The new rule raises the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings, about $24,700, up from 2.5 million shillings.
The KRA clarified that 3.2 million shillings is a reference minimum, not a flat charge for every container. Importers with goods valued above that amount must declare the actual value and pay duties accordingly.
Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
