Traders protest KRA customs valuation rules

Business activity in Nairobi’s city centre was brought to a standstill as small-scale traders protested new customs valuation rules introduced by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The traders closed their businesses and took to the streets, marching to Times Tower, where the authority is headquartered, to present their grievances. Their plans were, however, disrupted when police officers dispersed them using tear gas. KRA has responded to the complaints, clarifying that the new rate of Sh3.2 million per container, up from Sh2.8 million, is not a mandatory tax but a benchmark to be used under the simplified customs clearance system.