Small-scale traders in Nairobi protested a Kenyan customs duty increase that raised the minimum benchmark for a consolidated 40-foot container to 3.2 million Kenyan shillings ($24,700) from 2.5 million shillings. Police fired tear gas to disperse some protesters, while hundreds of businesses in central Nairobi closed, either as part of the protest or for safety reasons. The Kenya Revenue Authority said the change, effective August 20, was intended to curb the under-declaration and undervaluation of imports, which it said disadvantages compliant businesses and local manufacturers. Traders argue that the measure will increase clearing costs and harm small businesses that use consolidated shipments to reduce import expenses.