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Kenya police fire tear gas to disperse traders protesting import duty hike
The Kenya Revenue Authority says the higher benchmark targets under-declared imports, while traders say it will raise clearing costs for small businesses.
- On Friday, Nairobi police fired tear gas to disperse traders protesting a new Kenya Revenue Authority import duty hike. Hundreds of businesses across the central business district closed as demonstrations brought parts of the capital to a standstill.
- The Kenya Revenue Authority raised the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container to 3.2 million shillings from 2.5 million shillings . This 28 percent increase aims to curb under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods, the authority says.
- Traders argue the higher benchmark will increase importing costs and pressure narrow profit margins, potentially forcing them to raise retail prices. "We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business," demonstrator Muturi Kariuki said.
- Rejecting claims that the new benchmark is a fixed tax, the authority described it as a risk-management tool for simplified clearance. Meanwhile, protesters marched through the capital hoping to present a memorandum of grievances to the KRA commissioner.
- Demonstrations come amid broader frustration regarding Kenya's rising cost of living and deep-seated mistrust in the government. Reporting for Al Jazeera, Malcolm Webb noted a widespread perception among citizens that corruption is worse than ever.
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Kenya: Police Deployed As Nairobi Traders Protest Increased Taxes On Imports
Nairobi -- Police have been deployed around the Archives, Luthuli Avenue and Railways Roundabout in Nairobi's central business district as traders prepare to march to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices in protest against a revised customs valuation benchmark.
·Washington, United States
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Kenya police fire tear gas to disperse traders protesting import duty hike
NAIROBI, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Police fired tear gas to disperse small-scale traders protesting against an import duty hike, a Reuters witness saw on Friday, while hundreds of businesses closed in central Nairobi. The Kenya Revenue Authority said its de...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 29%
C 43%
R 28%
Factuality
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