Nairobi traders protest over high taxes imposed by KRA

Small-scale traders in Nairobi's business district have taken to the streets in protest against what they perceive as excessive taxes and a high import valuation imposed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Their demonstrations began on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Archives area before proceeding through the city center towards KRA's headquarters at Times Tower.

The core issue centers around a change in the benchmark used by KRA to assess the value of imported goods, which the traders claim has significantly increased their tax burden.

Previously, the benchmark stood at 2.5; however, KRA has increased it to 3.2, a move that traders argue has raised the tax on imported goods by approximately 28 percent. The valuation, which has risen from Ksh2.5 million to Ksh3.2 million, they maintain, makes it harder for them to maintain profit margins and averts a rise in consumer prices. The traders are urging KRA and the government to reconsider the new benchmark and to engage with them before such measures are implemented.

They plan to march from the Archives to Times Tower to deliver a petition to KRA, imploring the tax authority to take their concerns into account and to reconsider reverting to the earlier benchmark of 2.5. One trader expressed the dire effects of the increased taxes on businesses and the livelihoods of workers. “The government must listen to our grievances. KRA must understand that retaining the previous benchmark is essential for the survival of businesses in the current economic climate,” the trader stated.

The traders cautioned that higher import costs could have ripple effects throughout the supply chain, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and reduced employment opportunities, particularly for businesses reliant on imported goods. Their protests underscore the growing anxiety among traders about taxation policies and the escalating costs of doing business in Kenya. With their petition, they aim to seek a resolution and a response from KRA regarding the revised import valuation.