President William Ruto has ordered an exemption for cargo consolidators from the new Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) requirements, responding to protests from small-scale traders.

• This directive addresses concerns that the ACD system, implemented on August 3, would increase import costs and complexity for small-scale importers.
• The exemption was announced during a meeting with micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) representatives.
• The intervention follows recent demonstrations by traders in Nairobi against a revised customs valuation framework by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which increased the minimum benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million.

President William Ruto has directed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to provide a clear list of goods exempt from cargo consolidation, aiming to resolve a dispute that led to trader protests and business shutdowns in Nairobi.

• The directive aims to clarify which items are excluded from consolidation, addressing trader concerns about increased import costs due to a revised customs benchmark.
• Key entities involved are President William Ruto and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), with directives also issued to government agencies.
• This action follows protests by traders opposing the KRA's increase of the minimum benchmark for consolidated cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million, a 28 percent increase.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been directed by the government to slash general consolidated cargo charges by Sh500,000, bringing the total down to Sh2 million.

• The reduction follows a meeting between President William Ruto and small traders.
• The new rates will not apply to ready-made garments, footwear, and fabrics.
• This decision comes after traders protested a previous increase in customs valuation benchmarks.

President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on illegal traders, particularly foreigners, operating within Kenya's retail sector following complaints from local businesses.

• The Kenyan government is working on a new Bill to restrict foreigners from engaging in specific trades.
• President William Ruto tasked the Principal Secretary for Industry, Juma Mukhwana, and Trade Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui, to enforce the directive.
• Local traders have voiced concerns about competition from individuals from countries like Burundi, Somalia, and Tanzania, who are reportedly involved in businesses ranging from food sales to retail shops.

President William Ruto has explained his decision to order the closure of Tata Chemicals Magadi operations, emphasizing the need for local resource utilization.

• The President stated that the Magadi region's abundant resources, including Lake Magadi, should be harnessed to foster industrialization and job creation for its residents.
• Key entities involved are President William Ruto and Tata Chemicals Magadi.
• The President's directive aims to redirect the region's potential towards benefiting the local community through industrial development.

President William Ruto has ordered a significant reduction in taxes for small businesses, bringing much-needed relief to traders.

• The tax rate has been lowered from over 1 million Kenyan Shillings to 2 million Kenyan Shillings.
• The directive was issued by President William Ruto.
• The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been instructed to implement the tax reduction.

President William Ruto has announced the closure of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited following a dispute with the government. A new company is being sought to take over operations in Magadi.

• The Kenyan government is taking over the operations of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.
• President William Ruto made the announcement regarding the company located in Magadi, Kajiado County.
• A search is underway for a replacement company to continue operations at the Magadi site.