Kenya import duty hike protests 2026
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Kenya cracks down on foreign traders and small retailers
The directive targets foreign nationals operating small retail shops and engaging in hawking.
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.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei said foreign nationals who meet Kenya's legal requirements remain legally protected to operate businesses in the country.
Kenya minister warns foreigners against visa misuse for trade
Kenya's trade ministry warned foreign nationals that visa-free entry does not grant them the right to work.
Bizimana held an urgent meeting with representatives of the East African Community, which Kenyan representatives attended.
Alexis Ntinanirwa, head of the Association of Burundians living in Kenya, warned the issue could cause problems in the region because Kenyans also do small jobs in Burundi, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“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.
Kenya's revenue authority said the higher import duty is designed to tackle under-declaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
The higher import duty took effect last week.