The East African Court of Justice has issued a temporary injunction blocking Tanzania from collecting an excise duty on Kenyan-made safety matches.

• The court restrained the Tanzania Revenue Authority from enforcing a Tsh400 per kilogram excise levy on imports from Kenya.
• The case was filed by Match Masters Limited and raises questions about discriminatory treatment of imported goods within the East African Community (EAC).
• This ruling, pending a full hearing, could set a precedent for taxation on goods traded within the EAC.

Kenyan Members of Parliament are probing the disappearance of over 27,000 metric tonnes of imported sugar declared unfit for direct consumption. The National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is questioning officials over the handling of this large consignment.

• 27,839 metric tonnes of sugar imported by Mombasa Sugar Refinery Limited (MSRL) is unaccounted for regarding its intended use.
• Officials from the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB), led by Chief Executive Officer Jude Chesire, are facing scrutiny.
• Lawmakers are demanding clearance documents and the transit records from the Port of Mombasa to the Nairobi warehouse, expressing concerns about potential diversion into the local market.

The National Treasury proposed a one-off tax on mitumba (second-hand clothes) to simplify existing multiple taxes. This proposal, however, was removed from the final Finance Bill, 2026.

• The proposed tax aimed to implement a 5% deemed profit on the customs value, taxed at 30%, effectively a 1.5% income tax.
• National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi insisted on reinstating the provision, citing it as a solution to an "industry problem" requested by traders due to cumbersome tax payments.
• Mitumba traders reportedly found the current system of paying various taxes, including income tax after sales and requiring accountants, too expensive and cumbersome.