Kamukunji, Eastleigh Traders Protest Outside KRA Over Tax Crackdown
Business owners from Nairobi’s Kamukunji and Eastleigh areas protested outside the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) headquarters at Times Tower on Friday, accusing the tax agency of imposing harsh taxation measures that they say are harming small businesses and threatening jobs.
The demonstration took place along Haile Selassie Avenue, where dozens of traders carried placards and twigs while chanting slogans against the tax authority’s leadership. Some protesters called for the resignation of KRA Commissioner General Adan Mohamed if their concerns are not addressed.
The traders said KRA’s policies are making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to operate. They argued that the current approach is causing financial losses and forcing employers to reduce their workforce.
Some protesters also accused the authority of unfairly targeting traders from particular regions. One participant said KRA should work with businesses instead of creating divisions within the trading community, warning that such practices could repeat mistakes that had previously damaged local industries.
A key concern raised during the protest was the frequent raids carried out by KRA officials. Traders said the operations have disrupted family-owned shops and small enterprises in Kamukunji and Eastleigh, making it harder for businesses to survive. They urged the authority to adopt a more supportive approach to tax administration.
The protest comes as KRA continues discussions with business representatives in Eastleigh over the implementation of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). Earlier this year, the authority held consultative meetings to address concerns about the slow uptake of the system.
KRA officials said limited adoption of eTIMS, together with the reluctance of some traders to issue electronic invoices, has reduced transparency in business transactions. Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers George Obell said the authority would support traders with registration, while Deputy Commissioner Esther Wahome reiterated that eTIMS is mandatory for all businesses, including those that are not registered for VAT.
Wahome also introduced a USSD service (*222#5#) to make it easier for businesses to register for tax, file returns and make payments using mobile phones. The dispute reflects the challenge facing KRA as it seeks to improve tax compliance while expanding the tax base in sectors where informal trading remains common.
At the same time, many small business owners argue that strict enforcement measures and frequent inspections are placing additional pressure on already struggling enterprises.
