Police Deployed As Nairobi Traders Protest Increased Taxes On Imports

**Police Deployments in Nairobi as Traders Protest Revised Customs Valuation Benchmark**

*NAIROBI, Kenya – August 28, 2026* – Police officers were stationed around the Archives, Luthuli Avenue and the Railways Roundabout in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) on Friday as traders prepared to march to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) headquarters. The demonstration follows KRA’s recent decision to raise the minimum yield used under its simplified clearance arrangement for consolidated cargo.

The heightened security measures were implemented after a number of businesses in the CBD remained closed on Friday in support of a boycott against the increased benchmark. Traders have raised the minimum yield for consolidated shipments from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million – an increase of Sh700,000, or roughly 28 percent. The change, which took effect on August 21 after a brief grace period, is intended to address concerns about undervaluation, under‑declaration and misclassification of imports.

According to a spot check by Capital FM, shops along Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue and Tom Mboya Street were shuttered as traders gathered. One trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the group intends to deliver a memorandum directly to the KRA commissioner. “We are hoping to present a memorandum to the KRA commissioner on our grievances. We will continue with these protests until we are heard,” the trader said.

The affected traders, many of whom operate small‑scale import businesses that pool merchandise in shared containers – often from China – argue that the higher benchmark could raise the cost of importing goods, squeeze already narrow profit margins and force retailers to increase prices or reduce operations. Traders in the Kamukunji, Gikomba and Nyamakima areas had earlier threatened to shut their businesses nationwide in opposition to the review.

KRA officials have clarified that the Sh3.2 million figure is not a fixed tax on every consolidated container. The authority describes the minimum yield as a risk‑management benchmark used to determine eligibility for simplified clearance. “The actual customs liability depends on the nature, value and classification of goods in a shipment, alongside other factors such as freight and insurance,” a KRA spokesperson said. Traders may request verification of their cargo outside the simplified arrangement or de‑consolidate shipments so that individual importers make separate declarations and pay applicable taxes.

KRA attributes the revision to changes in exchange rates, freight costs, national and East African Community tax regulations, and its ongoing efforts to curb import undervaluation and misclassification.

The police presence and the traders’ boycott have disrupted commercial activity along parts of Nairobi’s CBD, and authorities are monitoring the situation as the protest proceeds. No arrests or injuries have been reported as of the time of writing.

Article and image source: allafrica.com