On Thursday, February 15, businessmen lodged complaints about delays in releasing their goods held up at the port of Mombasa.
The businessmen expressed grievances of being harassed and coerced into paying additional fees for the release of their goods. Despite fulfilling the required payments, none of them have received their goods.
While speaking to the press, the business owners revealed that the containers were full of second-hand clothes popularly known as mtumba. They added that the delay was hurting their businesses.
They called upon President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua to intervene and reduce the taxes required to import goods into the country.
"DP Rigathi Gachagua told the taxman to allow businesses to conduct their operations in peace before implementing some taxes. But at this moment, they have withheld our goods and imposed high taxes," one of the businessmen stated.
Ruto was urged to fulfil this campaign promise and create a conducive environment for the business community.
Besides, the taxes and fluctuating rates of importing goods, the businessmen pointed fingers at rogue officials from the tax authority. The affected importers noted that some of these officials were asking for extra payments.
According to the businessmen, importers were a key player in building the economy adding that this delay was not only affecting them but Kenyans at large.
"We ask the relevant authorities to hear the importers' plea and demands," one of the traders stated.
They explained that if the delay goes on further, investors will opt for Tanzania and ship their goods through the port of Dar es Salaam.
President Ruto was also urged to deal with the rogue officials who were harassing the business community and undermining the economy.
Notably, President Ruto had previously announced his intention to reduce taxes on imported goods, excluding items that could be locally manufactured, such as shoes and clothes. He clarified that this measure aimed to safeguard local industries.
"After three years, we will not import any shoes from other countries. If somebody cannot buy a shoe made with the skin of a Kenyan cow, they can walk barefoot no problem or we can increase tax so that we collect more revenues," he stated in December last year.
However, this was a different stance than his promise in June 2022 before the General Election. Ruto had vowed to support the mtumba business.
