Police in Kenya have fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting a hike in import duties. Hundreds of businesses closed in central Nairobi on Friday, August 28, bringing parts of the capital to a standstill. Protesters, frustrated with rising living costs and business expenses, were met with tear gas.
Kenya’s revenue authority says the higher import duty, which took effect last week, is designed to tackle under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods. The authority argues this disadvantages compliant businesses and local manufacturers. The duty change raises the minimum customs benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings ($24,700) from 2.5 million ($19,320).
Traders say the extra charges will drive up the cost of bringing goods into the country and hurt small businesses that rely on consolidated shipments. Muturi Kariuki, who joined the demonstrations, told Reuters: “We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business and our right to build our future.” Kariuki was among those who closed their shops to protest. Others did so for safety reasons, according to traders.
Reporting for Al Jazeera from Nairobi, Malcolm Webb said the protests come at a time when many Kenyans are frustrated with the rising cost of living. There is a feeling, he noted, that they are being asked to give more while getting less in return. Webb added that deep mistrust in the government persists, with a widespread perception that corruption is worse than ever.
Kenya’s revenue authority said the 3.2 million shilling figure is a minimum reference point, not a fixed value for every container. Importers whose goods exceed that value must declare their actual worth and pay applicable duties.
Reference
Al Jazeera, “Kenyan police fire tear gas at Nairobi protest against import duty hike,” published August 28, 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/28/kenyan-police-fire-tear-gas-at-nairobi-protest-against-import-duty-hike