[PHOTOS] Tear gas lobbed as traders protest tax changes

St. Joseph Starlets Murang’a Crowned New Champions as LYSA Defends Central Regional Title Sports

200 golfers set for NCBA Golf Series action at Kiambu Golf

Several small-scale traders ran for safety in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Friday after security officers fired tear gas during planned demonstrations over taxation and changes to customs valuation.

Security officers fired tear gas as they sought to disperse traders, sending some protesters and members of the public running along city streets.

The demonstrations affected parts of the CBD, with some businesses remaining closed as traders protested what they said was the rising cost of doing business.

Security officers were deployed in parts of the city as the protests got underway, including around Times Tower, which houses Kenya Revenue Authority offices.

The demonstrations were linked to concerns over KRA’s decision to raise the Customs Minimum Benchmark for consolidated cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million.

Traders have raised concerns that the higher benchmark could increase the cost of clearing imported goods and put further pressure on their profit margins.

KRA, however, has clarified that the Sh3.2 million figure represents a minimum yield for consolidated cargo and should not be interpreted as the actual tax payable on every container.