Police in Kenya fired tear gas at small-scale traders protesting against a hike in import duties in central Nairobi on Friday, as hundreds of businesses closed in the capital city.
The demonstrations brought parts of downtown Nairobi to a standstill. Traders gathered to oppose a new Kenya Revenue Authority customs valuation benchmark that took effect last week. The new tax rules raise the minimum import fee for a shipping container by nearly 30 percent.
Security was heightened as protesters marched toward KRA offices along Parliament Road and Kenyatta Avenue. Police dispersed the crowds using tear gas as the demonstrations continued throughout the day.
Traders expressed frustration with the rising cost of living and increased business expenses resulting from the new import duty structure. The Kenya Revenue Authority said the higher import duty is designed to tackle under-declaration of goods at customs.