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UPDATE: Small Traders Association says it will stage protests EVERY FRIDAY until Kenya Revenue Authority calls them to the negotiating table regarding the upward review of the Customs Benchmark. Unbundle quoted tweets for more context.

Julians Amboko

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103,675 views • 7 days ago •via X (Twitter)

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Small-scale traders in Kamukunji, Gikomba, and Nyamakima are in turmoil and threatening a nationwide business shutdown on Friday, August 28, 2026, after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) implemented a revised custom benchmark value. The government adjusted the minimum customs benchmark for a general 40-foot container of consolidated cargo from KSh 2.5 million to KSh 3.2 million, effective August 20, 2026. While the import duty did not "double," this sudden 28% spike introduces an extra burden of KSh 700,000 per container, pushing the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector to the brink of collapse.

Small-scale traders in Kamukunji, Gikomba, and Nyamakima are in turmoil and threatening a nationwide business shutdown on Friday, August 28, 2026, after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) implemented a revised custom benchmark value. The government adjusted the minimum customs benchmark for a general 40-foot container of consolidated cargo from KSh 2.5 million to KSh 3.2 million, effective August 20, 2026. While the import duty did not "double," this sudden 28% spike introduces an extra burden of KSh 700,000 per container, pushing the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector to the brink of collapse.

The Kenyan Vigilante

223,451 views • 10 days ago

In view of the indication of protests slated for tomorrow (Aug 28th) following the upward review of the Customs Benchmark to Kes 3.2 Million (see quoted tweet), the Revenue Authority has sought to explain itself regarding this adjustment. The Commissioner Customs, Dr. Nyawanda, makes the following points: · Kes 2.5 Million has been in place for six years during which there have been significant changes in a number of variables, notably, foreign exchange, freight costs, local taxes & stays of application from a regional standpoint. Hence the need to change · The Kes 3.2 Million & the August 21st date was based on consensus between the authority & key stakeholders including umbrella bodies & it factors in all the changes that have taken place over the last six years · Stakeholders were given a one month long grace period to organise themselves around this change & that is how the August 21st effective date was arrived at · The Kes 3.2 Million is simply a benchmark & therefore there's expectation that some consolidated cargo will fall either below or above this value · Where the trader believes that the Kes 3.2 Million is not a true reflection & therefore not applicable, there will be room for verification Musings: · I wonder how this adjustment aligns with Sec122 of the East African Community Customs Management Act & more precisely the dictates of the 4th Schedule of the Act on determination of value of imported goods · One likely outcome here will be that because the Revenue Authority anticipates push back, it will persuade most taxpayers to declare & therefore unlock more visibility on customs values

In view of the indication of protests slated for tomorrow (Aug 28th) following the upward review of the Customs Benchmark to Kes 3.2 Million (see quoted tweet), the Revenue Authority has sought to explain itself regarding this adjustment. The Commissioner Customs, Dr. Nyawanda, makes the following points: · Kes 2.5 Million has been in place for six years during which there have been significant changes in a number of variables, notably, foreign exchange, freight costs, local taxes & stays of application from a regional standpoint. Hence the need to change · The Kes 3.2 Million & the August 21st date was based on consensus between the authority & key stakeholders including umbrella bodies & it factors in all the changes that have taken place over the last six years · Stakeholders were given a one month long grace period to organise themselves around this change & that is how the August 21st effective date was arrived at · The Kes 3.2 Million is simply a benchmark & therefore there's expectation that some consolidated cargo will fall either below or above this value · Where the trader believes that the Kes 3.2 Million is not a true reflection & therefore not applicable, there will be room for verification Musings: · I wonder how this adjustment aligns with Sec122 of the East African Community Customs Management Act & more precisely the dictates of the 4th Schedule of the Act on determination of value of imported goods · One likely outcome here will be that because the Revenue Authority anticipates push back, it will persuade most taxpayers to declare & therefore unlock more visibility on customs values

Julians Amboko

148,463 views • 8 days ago

The government has back-pedalled on the revised Customs Benchmark (Kes 3.2 million) following last Friday's protests & boycott by traders. In its place, Kes 2.0 million has now been adopted as the new Customs Benchmark. The following have been agreed upon at a meeting held at State House this evening. · The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will reduce the benchmark for general consolidated cargo to Kes 2.0 million from the Kes 3.2 million · Existing rates for ready made garments & footwear to remain unchanged & newly negotiated rates for air cargo to remain in place · The Advance Cargo Manifest will be done away with with immediate effect to streamline clearance of consolidated cargo · KRA to develop & publish an Exclusion List of cargo that doesn’t qualify for clearance under Consolidation. The list will be informed by the value & nature of goods, specific tax rates & other customs consideration · All Cargo Consolidators will be vetted afresh & registered by KRA with the deadline for fresh registration being Oct 15th, 2026. They will submit a comprehensive list of the individual traders & importers whose goods they consolidate · The government to establish de-consolidation cargo centres in Nairobi & Mombasa to enable cargo to be assessed transparently · Kenya Railways will reduce the charge for transporting cargo from the Inland Container Depot to the de-consolidation centre from Kes 58,000 to Kes 10,000 Traders had vowed to stage protests every Friday until the matter was addressed. Musings: · Whether Kes 2.0 million, Kes 2.5 million or Kes 3.2 million, the issue remains adherence to the 4th Schedule East African Community Customs Management Act & its guidance around valuation. Will it be possible to anchor any future adjustments on the 4th Schedule? · The Advance Cargo Manifest system was rolled out on August 3rd, 2026, it has barely finished a month in application. It has been done away with · The Advance Cargo Manifest system was further transitioning Customs in Kenya into a risk based profiling system through verification of invoices, bills of lading, & export declarations upfront. It's a delicate balance here

The government has back-pedalled on the revised Customs Benchmark (Kes 3.2 million) following last Friday's protests & boycott by traders. In its place, Kes 2.0 million has now been adopted as the new Customs Benchmark. The following have been agreed upon at a meeting held at State House this evening. · The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will reduce the benchmark for general consolidated cargo to Kes 2.0 million from the Kes 3.2 million · Existing rates for ready made garments & footwear to remain unchanged & newly negotiated rates for air cargo to remain in place · The Advance Cargo Manifest will be done away with with immediate effect to streamline clearance of consolidated cargo · KRA to develop & publish an Exclusion List of cargo that doesn’t qualify for clearance under Consolidation. The list will be informed by the value & nature of goods, specific tax rates & other customs consideration · All Cargo Consolidators will be vetted afresh & registered by KRA with the deadline for fresh registration being Oct 15th, 2026. They will submit a comprehensive list of the individual traders & importers whose goods they consolidate · The government to establish de-consolidation cargo centres in Nairobi & Mombasa to enable cargo to be assessed transparently · Kenya Railways will reduce the charge for transporting cargo from the Inland Container Depot to the de-consolidation centre from Kes 58,000 to Kes 10,000 Traders had vowed to stage protests every Friday until the matter was addressed. Musings: · Whether Kes 2.0 million, Kes 2.5 million or Kes 3.2 million, the issue remains adherence to the 4th Schedule East African Community Customs Management Act & its guidance around valuation. Will it be possible to anchor any future adjustments on the 4th Schedule? · The Advance Cargo Manifest system was rolled out on August 3rd, 2026, it has barely finished a month in application. It has been done away with · The Advance Cargo Manifest system was further transitioning Customs in Kenya into a risk based profiling system through verification of invoices, bills of lading, & export declarations upfront. It's a delicate balance here

Julians Amboko

37,937 views • 2 days ago

UPDATE: Uganda Revenue Authority 's Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, is issuing certificates of penalty waiver to individuals whose businesses have been cleared in the EFRIS penalty waiver exercise that started today. The exercise will continue until Friday this week. #NTVNews

UPDATE: Uganda Revenue Authority 's Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, is issuing certificates of penalty waiver to individuals whose businesses have been cleared in the EFRIS penalty waiver exercise that started today. The exercise will continue until Friday this week. #NTVNews

NTV UGANDA

43,898 views • 2 years ago

The Border Management Authority says that due to lack of sufficient funding, they will charge travellers for some services to generate revenue. Zola Sholwana has more. Watch:

The Border Management Authority says that due to lack of sufficient funding, they will charge travellers for some services to generate revenue. Zola Sholwana has more. Watch:

Newzroom Afrika

38,346 views • 9 months ago

Business owners and small traders across Kenya have raised major concerns over stringent Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax enforcement on shipping containers. The crackdown targets unbundled cargo and under-declared goods, leading to severe shipment detentions, demurrage fees, and inflated clearing costs at the Port of Mombasa and Nairobi deconsolidation points.

Business owners and small traders across Kenya have raised major concerns over stringent Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) tax enforcement on shipping containers. The crackdown targets unbundled cargo and under-declared goods, leading to severe shipment detentions, demurrage fees, and inflated clearing costs at the Port of Mombasa and Nairobi deconsolidation points.

The Kenyan Vigilante

18,218 views • 1 month ago

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made yet another "diplomatic" statement: "I really like all these statements by the Westerners regarding the fact that they want to be at the negotiating table... I, for one, doubt that they will be able to sit at the table. Maybe a place under the table should already be reserved for them?"

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made yet another "diplomatic" statement: "I really like all these statements by the Westerners regarding the fact that they want to be at the negotiating table... I, for one, doubt that they will be able to sit at the table. Maybe a place under the table should already be reserved for them?"

Anton Gerashchenko

159,263 views • 1 year ago

CBC doing their part to lie to Canadians & twist the narrative regarding the anti-immigration protests in Australia. They do this for every single thing Gov’s don’t approve of. They did it for the convoy & protests in the UK. You can’t hate them enough

CBC doing their part to lie to Canadians & twist the narrative regarding the anti-immigration protests in Australia. They do this for every single thing Gov’s don’t approve of. They did it for the convoy & protests in the UK. You can’t hate them enough

Ryan Gerritsen🇨🇦🇳🇱

35,212 views • 1 year ago

" What we need is not so much the power of the carrot to convince Russia... It's more the stick that will bring them." Finnish President Alexander Stubb tells Nick Robinson the US must 'force Russia to come to the negotiating table for peace'. #R4Today

" What we need is not so much the power of the carrot to convince Russia... It's more the stick that will bring them." Finnish President Alexander Stubb tells Nick Robinson the US must 'force Russia to come to the negotiating table for peace'. #R4Today

BBC Radio 4 Today

44,059 views • 10 months ago

SERI’s director for litigation Nkosinathi Sithole says the court order is also a victory for informal traders. The Gauteng High Court ordered gave the city until the 18th of November to verify informal traders and allocate them trading stalls.

SERI’s director for litigation Nkosinathi Sithole says the court order is also a victory for informal traders. The Gauteng High Court ordered gave the city until the 18th of November to verify informal traders and allocate them trading stalls.

EWN Reporter

59,039 views • 10 months ago

Small Kenyan importers in Kamukunji, Gikomba and Nyamakima are set to stage a nationwide business shutdown on Friday to protest KRA decision to raise the minimum reference value for a typical 40 foot consolidated container from Ksh 2.5 million to Ksh 3.2 million effective Aug 20, a 28% increase that traders say will raise their import costs and squeeze already thin margins. The authority maintains that the benchmark is intended to curb undervaluation, misclassification and concealment of goods rather than impose a new tax.

Small Kenyan importers in Kamukunji, Gikomba and Nyamakima are set to stage a nationwide business shutdown on Friday to protest KRA decision to raise the minimum reference value for a typical 40 foot consolidated container from Ksh 2.5 million to Ksh 3.2 million effective Aug 20, a 28% increase that traders say will raise their import costs and squeeze already thin margins. The authority maintains that the benchmark is intended to curb undervaluation, misclassification and concealment of goods rather than impose a new tax.

John Mutongoi

24,538 views • 9 days ago

VIDEO NEWS UPDATE: If you get more revenue because you take out susbsidy, it's actually a transfer from the people to the government. So, the only way we can make it (scarifices that the people make) worthwhile is to spend that money in the areas of priority to them. - Taiwo Oyedele calls for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians

VIDEO NEWS UPDATE: If you get more revenue because you take out susbsidy, it's actually a transfer from the people to the government. So, the only way we can make it (scarifices that the people make) worthwhile is to spend that money in the areas of priority to them. - Taiwo Oyedele calls for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians

The Compass Hub

36,231 views • 5 months ago

'Ukraine should sit down at the negotiating table' - Trump is getting irritated by Zelensky's disagreement with a peace deal in the spirit of Anchorage. - Negotiations on Ukraine with Whitcoff and Kushner are scheduled in Geneva. What do you expect? - We will have serious negotiations. It will be simple. Listen, it's better for Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible - that's what I'll tell you. We want them to sit down at the negotiating table. - SK

'Ukraine should sit down at the negotiating table' - Trump is getting irritated by Zelensky's disagreement with a peace deal in the spirit of Anchorage. - Negotiations on Ukraine with Whitcoff and Kushner are scheduled in Geneva. What do you expect? - We will have serious negotiations. It will be simple. Listen, it's better for Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible - that's what I'll tell you. We want them to sit down at the negotiating table. - SK

Zlatti71

23,282 views • 6 months ago

The Kenya Bankers Association (Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)) wants Finance Bill 2026 to bar the Revenue Authority from demanding Value Added Tax from the sale of reposessed/seized collateral to recover bad debts. It's the Association's response to the Tax Appeals Tribunal's judgement on Appeal No.E023/2024 KCB Bank Kenya Limited vs Commissioner Legal Services & Board Co-ordination. In this matter, the Tribunal determined that the auction sales of seized collateral are indeed subject to 16.0% VAT. The Association's argument is that the disposal of repossessed assets is simply a part of the credit facilities aimed at recovering unpaid loans, rather than to generate a return for the bank. When the Tax Appeals Tribunal ruled in favour of the Revenue Authority it argued that in a sale by auction (a hostile sale), the creditor steps into the shoes of the debtor & therefore has to discharge all duties that the debtor would have discharged, including paying taxes & levies on the property in issue.

The Kenya Bankers Association (Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)) wants Finance Bill 2026 to bar the Revenue Authority from demanding Value Added Tax from the sale of reposessed/seized collateral to recover bad debts. It's the Association's response to the Tax Appeals Tribunal's judgement on Appeal No.E023/2024 KCB Bank Kenya Limited vs Commissioner Legal Services & Board Co-ordination. In this matter, the Tribunal determined that the auction sales of seized collateral are indeed subject to 16.0% VAT. The Association's argument is that the disposal of repossessed assets is simply a part of the credit facilities aimed at recovering unpaid loans, rather than to generate a return for the bank. When the Tax Appeals Tribunal ruled in favour of the Revenue Authority it argued that in a sale by auction (a hostile sale), the creditor steps into the shoes of the debtor & therefore has to discharge all duties that the debtor would have discharged, including paying taxes & levies on the property in issue.

Julians Amboko

21,929 views • 3 months ago

UPDATE: The Revenue Authority is lining up a number of changes to buttress Finance Act 2026's introduction of phased out Income Tax Return filing (see quoted tweet). The authority says it will: · Abandon the excel file based filing in favour of a purely web based filing system. So taxpayers won't be downloading · Expand the scope of the AI-powered virtual assistant, Shuru, for more complex filing · Upgrade iTax ahead of April 30th, 2027 which will be the debut phase of staggered filing of income tax returns PS: · Worth noting the authority says there shall be no Incomes & Expenses Validation for the 2026 year of income, apparently it was only for 2025 · Question, how does this align with the Finance Act 2026 amendment to Sec75 of the Tax Procedures Act? · If the law provides that the taxpayer has the right to confirm or amend a pre-populated return, doesn't it follow that there shall be a validation exercise accompanying this in the case where an amendment is done?

UPDATE: The Revenue Authority is lining up a number of changes to buttress Finance Act 2026's introduction of phased out Income Tax Return filing (see quoted tweet). The authority says it will: · Abandon the excel file based filing in favour of a purely web based filing system. So taxpayers won't be downloading · Expand the scope of the AI-powered virtual assistant, Shuru, for more complex filing · Upgrade iTax ahead of April 30th, 2027 which will be the debut phase of staggered filing of income tax returns PS: · Worth noting the authority says there shall be no Incomes & Expenses Validation for the 2026 year of income, apparently it was only for 2025 · Question, how does this align with the Finance Act 2026 amendment to Sec75 of the Tax Procedures Act? · If the law provides that the taxpayer has the right to confirm or amend a pre-populated return, doesn't it follow that there shall be a validation exercise accompanying this in the case where an amendment is done?

Julians Amboko

33,930 views • 1 month ago

"I want to exterminate them, every last one of them.. Yes, the Palestinians, all of them" Psycho kibbutznik Avida Bachar explicitly calls for the genocide of Palestinians. In the quoted tweet - an overly long and thorough summary of a typical deranged broadcast on Israeli TV.

"I want to exterminate them, every last one of them.. Yes, the Palestinians, all of them" Psycho kibbutznik Avida Bachar explicitly calls for the genocide of Palestinians. In the quoted tweet - an overly long and thorough summary of a typical deranged broadcast on Israeli TV.

B.M.

941,047 views • 1 year ago

BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt says that Trump’s stance on China is not softening. When asked what the time table is for the reduction of tariffs on China she says: “Let me be clear: There will be no unilateral reduction of tariffs against China." “This is the art of the deal. Trump is using the leverage of the U.S. to bring countries to the negotiating table…”

BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt says that Trump’s stance on China is not softening. When asked what the time table is for the reduction of tariffs on China she says: “Let me be clear: There will be no unilateral reduction of tariffs against China." “This is the art of the deal. Trump is using the leverage of the U.S. to bring countries to the negotiating table…”

Ed Krassenstein

563,351 views • 1 year ago

'I'm angry about it! Nothing will be off this table in this inquiry.' Sir Keir Starmer says there are questions to be asked about the accountability of the 'Westminster system' regarding the Southport stabbings. He says people are 'right' to be angry about it.

'I'm angry about it! Nothing will be off this table in this inquiry.' Sir Keir Starmer says there are questions to be asked about the accountability of the 'Westminster system' regarding the Southport stabbings. He says people are 'right' to be angry about it.

GB News

163,309 views • 1 year ago

June 30th could soon be a breeze for Kenyans? Kenya Revenue Authority says it is working towards doing away with manual filing of tax returns from P9 forms by payroll employees & Nil filers. The authority says plans are underway for integration of systems to allow for auto-population. I think as we venture this route, there are some key lessons we can draw from the VAT auto-population experience.

June 30th could soon be a breeze for Kenyans? Kenya Revenue Authority says it is working towards doing away with manual filing of tax returns from P9 forms by payroll employees & Nil filers. The authority says plans are underway for integration of systems to allow for auto-population. I think as we venture this route, there are some key lessons we can draw from the VAT auto-population experience.

Julians Amboko

21,965 views • 1 year ago