Tear Gas Deployed as Nairobi Traders Protest Import Duty Increase
By Editor • August 28, 2026 • 1 min read
In a dramatic turn of events, police in Nairobi used tear gas against small-scale traders protesting a recent hike in import duties. The protests on Friday disrupted central Nairobi, prompting many businesses to close amid growing frustration over rising living costs.
The new import duty, effective last week, aims to address issues of under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods, according to Kenya’s revenue authority. The minimum customs benchmark for a 40-foot container has increased from 2.5 million to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $24,700).
Protesters like Muturi Kariuki voiced their concerns, stating, “We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do business.” Many traders also cited safety as a reason for closing their shops during the demonstrations.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
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