{
  "id": 5119304,
  "title": "Ruto Orders KRA to Restore Sh2.5 Million Container Cargo Benchmark",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/ruto-orders-kra-to-restore-sh2-5-million-container-cargo-benchmark",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T16:04:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/ruto-orders-kra-to-restore-sh2-5-million-container-cargo-benchmark/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President William Ruto has instructed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to reinstate the Sh2.5 million benchmark for general containerised consolidated cargo, reversing a recent hike to Sh3.2 million. The directive came during a meeting between Ruto and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and traders at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The President claimed the move would alleviate financial burdens on small businesses arising from rising import-related expenses. Prior to the hike in August, the benchmark had been reduced from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, causing discontent among small-scale importers who argued that it would increase the cost of importing goods. Ruto reaffirmed his desire for the Sh2.5 million benchmark to be reinstated and directed KRA to compile a list of high-value goods that should be excluded from the consolidated cargo arrangement. These high-value goods should be evaluated separately from the consolidated cargo framework, as the President believes expensive imports should not be subjected to a framework designed for smaller consignments. KRA had previously clarified that the consolidated cargo benchmark serves as a minimum yield benchmark in customs valuation rather than a fixed tax charge for every shipment. This issue has predominantly impacted small traders who import goods collectively, as they may not possess enough merchandise to fill an entire shipping container individually.",
  "summary": "President William Ruto has directed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to restore the Sh2.5 million benchmark for general containerised consolidated cargo, reversing a recent increase to Sh3.2 million. Ruto issued the directive on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a meeting with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and traders at State House, Nairobi. The President [...] The post Ruto…",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}