Police fired tear gas to disperse small-scale traders protesting against an import duty hike, ​a Reuters witness saw on Friday, while hundreds ‌of businesses closed in central Nairobi. The Kenya Revenue Authority said its decision to raise the duty with effect from ​August 20 aimed to curb under-declaration and undervaluation ​of imports, which it said disadvantages compliant ⁠businesses and local manufacturers. Traders say the change would ​raise the cost of clearing goods and hurt small ​businesses that rely on consolidated shipments to reduce import costs. “We are standing for our citizenship and our right to do ​business and our right to build our future,” ​said Muturi Kariuki, who joined the demonstrations. Kariuki was among the traders ‌who ⁠closed their businesses in order to protest. Others did so for safety reasons, traders said.

Full report : Kenya police fire tear gas to disperse traders protesting import duty hike.