Kenyan Traders Shut Businesses as Police Disperse Tax Protesters in Nairobi

Business activity was disrupted in parts of Nairobi on Friday as small-scale traders protested against increased import duties and changes to customs valuation.

Hundreds of businesses reportedly closed as traders took their concerns to the streets. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters during demonstrations in the city centre.

The traders say the new customs valuation arrangements will increase the cost of bringing goods into Kenya and put additional pressure on small businesses.

The Kenya Revenue Authority, however, has argued that the customs measures are aimed at improving valuation and tackling under-declaration and misclassification of imported goods.

For small traders, the dispute is about more than taxes. They fear that higher import costs could eventually translate into higher prices for consumers and reduced profit margins for businesses.

The protests are likely to keep the debate over taxation and the cost of doing business in Kenya firmly in the national spotlight.