Different stakeholders have raised concern over increased taxes on imported cargo at Mombasa port.
Importers, clearing agents and a section of politicians from various parts of the Coast region, under the umbrella of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa), have accused the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) of making decisions without consulting them.
Speaking on behalf of the various stakeholders, Kifwa Mombasa branch secretary general Bernard Simiyu said that the revenue body increased levies on imported tyres, household goods and food without their consent.
“For example, initially someone was paying $US200 (about Sh20, 000) for one tonne of general cargo; the amount has been raised to $US580 (about Sh58, 000) per tonne. This has made it impossible for clearing agents to clear goods at the port leading to a backlog,” he said, as quoted by The Star.
Simiyu pointed out that their efforts to reach KRA officials have proven futile, as the revenue collecting body has done nothing despite their outcry.
“We had several meetings to propose changes, but the next day you find a totally different thing on the ground. The meetings can be termed to be just cosmetic,” he said.
The increased taxes have forced various investors in the region to close down their business due to the high cost of running the businesses.