NAIROBI, Kenya – People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has criticised a higher Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs valuation on some imported containers, warning that the additional cost could hurt traders and push up prices for consumers.
Nyoro spoke on Monday, August 31, 2026, as concern grew among traders over the increase in the customs benchmark applied to some imported goods.
According to Nyoro, the valuation for some containers has risen from about Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, creating an additional financial burden for importers and small businesses.
He argued that traders are already operating under high costs and that increasing the tax burden could force some businesses out of the market.
Nyoro questions KRA customs valuation
Nyoro challenged the government over the decision to increase the customs valuation of imported goods, arguing that the policy would have consequences beyond importers.
He said businesses facing higher importation costs would likely pass the additional expenses down the supply chain, eventually affecting small traders and consumers.
“The unwarranted increase will place an additional financial burden on small businesses and also importers who are already dealing with rising operating costs which they are going to pass on to small traders,” Nyoro said.
The PPK leader maintained that Kenyan traders are already heavily taxed and warned that further increases could undermine small enterprises that are struggling to remain profitable.
Higher import costs could raise consumer prices
The dispute over the KRA valuation comes as businesses continue to grapple with the cost of importing goods into Kenya.
Nyoro argued that an increase in the customs value of imported goods does not affect importers alone.
When taxes and other charges rise, businesses may increase wholesale and retail prices to recover the additional costs.
This could ultimately affect consumers, particularly those who rely on imported goods for household and business needs.
Nyoro therefore called for the government to reconsider the higher valuation and assess its impact on traders and the wider economy.
Nyoro invokes Ruto’s 2022 promises
The Kiharu MP also used the issue to criticise President William Ruto’s economic policies.
Nyoro recalled Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign, during which the President presented himself as a champion of ordinary Kenyans, including small traders, mama mboga and boda boda operators.
Nyoro argued that some policies implemented by the Kenya Kwanza administration have instead increased the pressure on small businesses.
He said the government should focus on creating an environment where entrepreneurs can operate and grow rather than introducing measures that increase their costs.
PPK leader pushes opposition unity
The tax dispute also provided Nyoro with an opportunity to strengthen his political message ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The PPK leader called for greater unity among opposition parties, arguing that a coordinated political front would provide a stronger challenge to Ruto’s administration.
Nyoro has increasingly positioned himself within the opposition political space and has called for parties and leaders opposed to the government to work together ahead of the next election.
He argued that economic issues affecting ordinary Kenyans should form part of the opposition’s political agenda.
Nyoro criticises focus on Uhuru Kenyatta
Nyoro also criticised what he described as the continued focus on former President Uhuru Kenyatta by Ruto and his allies during political engagements.
He questioned why Uhuru continues to feature prominently in political discussions within the Kenya Kwanza camp.
“Uhuru was not part of the Kenya Kwanza agenda for the President and his close associates to be discussing in close to all of their political meetings,” Nyoro said.
The remarks reflect the increasingly political nature of the debate over taxation and the cost of doing business as parties position themselves ahead of 2027.
