{
  "id": 3695838,
  "title": "MPs to meet Treasury, KRA to resolve Ksh3.2M import benchmark row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/mps-to-meet-treasury-kra-to-resolve-ksh3-2m-import-benchmark-row",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-27T07:36:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/business/mps-to-meet-treasury-kra-to-resolve-ksh3-2m-import-benchmark-row"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee is set to convene with Treasury and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials to address concerns surrounding the recent increase in the minimum customs benchmark for containerised imports, according to committee chair Kimani Kuria. Kuria, representing the Molo constituency, highlighted that the committee will seek clarification from the Treasury Cabinet Secretary and KRA Commissioner General following complaints from traders and cargo consolidators. On August 27, 2026, Kuria announced that the meeting will occur next week, underscoring the significance of the issue to the committee. The rise in the Customs Minimum Benchmark from Ksh2.5 million to Ksh3.2 million, effective August 20, 2026, represents a 28% increase, significantly impacting importers. KRA explained that this adjustment aimed to bolster customs valuation controls and deter practices such as undervaluation and concealment of high-value goods. However, Kuria clarified that importers possessing the necessary documentation and capable of demonstrating the actual value of their goods should not be compelled to pay the full Ksh3.2 million benchmark. He emphasized that the minimum amount is not a fixed customs value for every container, and where the actual value exceeds the benchmark, importers must declare the higher value and pay the corresponding taxes. Kuria expressed concerns over the application of the new benchmark, particularly among small traders and cargo aggregators who rely on cargo consolidation to reduce shipping expenses. The committee has received communications from traders and aggregators from countries like Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, who consolidate shipments before importing them. These traders and aggregators have expressed confusion regarding the application of the new benchmark. Kuria stressed that the committee will seek clarity from Treasury and KRA before deciding on any necessary adjustments. Additionally, the Finance and National Planning Committee aims to strike a balance between increasing tax collection and supporting businesses that heavily depend on imported goods. Kuria reiterated the committee's commitment to protecting taxpayers while acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses that rely on imports. KRA acknowledged that the new benchmark followed consultations with various stakeholders, including the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), small traders, cargo consolidators, and private-sector participants. The authority defended the increase by citing concerns over the alleged misuse of consolidation arrangements to evade customs liabilities. The upcoming meeting will provide the committee with an opportunity to clarify the application of the Ksh3.2 million customs benchmark and its implications for small traders and import-dependent businesses.",
  "summary": "The National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee will next week meet Treasury and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials to seek answers over the increase in the minimum customs benchmark for containerised imports, committee chair Kimani Kuria has said. Kuria, the Molo MP, said the committee will meet the Treasury Cabinet Secretary and KRA Commissioner […]",
  "key_points": [
    "National Assembly Finance Committee to meet Treasury and KRA",
    "Customs Minimum Benchmark increased from Ksh2.5M to Ksh3.2M on Aug 20, 2026",
    "Committee seeks clarification on impact on importers and small traders"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}