Kenyan Police Fire Teargas at Nairobi Traders Protesting Import Tax Hikes

Kenyan police fired teargas to disperse hundreds of small-scale traders protesting in the capital city of Nairobi on Friday against newly implemented government taxes on imported goods.

The demonstrations were triggered by recent regulatory changes that significantly increase the minimum import fee for shipping containers. Under the new guidelines introduced by tax authorities, the baseline clearing cost for imported containers has risen by nearly 30 percent, heavily impacting merchants who rely on overseas shipments to stock their retail and wholesale businesses.

Tensions escalated in Nairobi's central business district and adjacent commercial hubs as marchers gathered to voice their opposition to the fiscal measures. Police officers deployed teargas canisters to clear crowded streets after demonstrators disrupted traffic and attempted to march toward government offices. Several shops and business establishments along major thoroughfares were forced to temporarily lower their shutters to protect their inventory from potential damage during the unrest.

The affected merchants primarily operate within Nairobi's informal and small-scale commercial sectors, including major trading areas such as Nyamakima, Kamukunji, and Eastleigh. Many of these traders rely on consolidated cargo shipping models, where multiple small importers share space in a single container to reduce transportation expenses. The steep rise in container valuation levies directly inflates wholesale prices, which traders warn will ultimately be passed on to consumers across the country.

The protest highlights growing public discontent over the government's economic agenda. President William Ruto's administration has aggressively pursued revenue-raising measures to service heavy public debt, reduce fiscal deficits, and decrease dependence on foreign borrowing. However, these tax hikes have drawn widespread criticism from business associations, civil society groups, and citizens who argue that the measures are suppressing economic growth and exacerbating an already high cost of living.

Friday's clashes represent the latest wave of trade-related unrest in Kenya, where various commercial sectors have voiced frustration over rising operational costs, new levies, and reduced consumer spending power. While the government maintains that the tax adjustments are necessary to standardize customs valuations and protect domestic industries, trade representatives continue to call for policy reviews to cushion small and medium enterprises from financial distress.