Kenya's National Treasury has decided to maintain the 25 percent customs duty on imported mobile phones, dashing hopes for more affordable gadgets.

• The customs duty will remain alongside other taxes, meaning the total tax on imported phones will drop only slightly to 50 percent from the current 54.5 percent, instead of the promised 25 percent.
• Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi confirmed the decision, highlighting efforts to boost local smartphone assembly by seeking a customs duty waiver on imported inputs from the East African Community.
• This move protects the local industry but leaves consumers facing continued high prices for mobile phones.