Kenya import duty hike protests 2026
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Kenya cracks down on foreign traders and small retailers
The government has not publicly provided a comprehensive list of all businesses covered by the September 7 directive or an estimate of how many foreign nationals will be affected.
The Local Content Bill, 2025, has not yet been enacted into law.
The proposed Local Content Bill, 2025, would require foreign companies to increase local sourcing and employment.
Kenya minister warns foreigners against visa misuse for trade
Bizimana held an urgent meeting with representatives of the East African Community, which Kenyan representatives attended.
Kenya's trade ministry said some visitors entered Kenya as investors or tourists but then engaged in business activities in breach of their declared status.
President Ruto said Kenya remained open to foreign investment but said a person should not come from China or elsewhere to be a hawker or open a small shop.
“This issue is not only going to cause problems for Burundians working in Kenya, but it is also going to cause problems in the region because there are also Kenyans doing these small jobs in our countries in Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.”
Kenyan police fire tear gas at protests against import duty hike
The new tax rules raise the minimum import fee for a shipping container by nearly 30 percent.
Hundreds of businesses closed in central Nairobi during the demonstrations.
Traders were marching to parliament during the protest.