[PHOTOS] Ruto hosts MSME traders at State House
![[PHOTOS] Ruto hosts MSME traders at State House](/api/imagekit?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.radioafrica.digital%2Fimage%2F2026%2F09%2F22c84955-f809-4bd5-b663-323b1ea188d3.webp%3F1788407130164&w=3840&q=75)
President William Ruto met with MSME traders at State House to address concerns regarding high customs valuation benchmarks. He directed that the minimum benchmark for containerized cargo be reduced from Sh3.2 million to Sh2.5 million to alleviate financial pressure on small businesses.
Why it matters
This decision directly impacts the cost of living and business operations for small-scale importers in Kenya, reflecting government efforts to manage economic inflation.
President William Ruto hosts MSME traders, alongside other government officials at State House, Nairobion Wednesday, September 2, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto on Wednesday evening hosted a section of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) traders at State House, Nairobi, for discussions on issues affecting their businesses.
The meeting brought together traders and several leaders and government officials, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Among the key issues raised was the cost of importing goods, particularly the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) customs valuation benchmark for general containerised consolidated cargo.
Ruto directed that the minimum customs benchmark for the cargo be reduced from the new cap of Sh3.2 million to the previous cap of Sh2.5 million.
The President said the move was intended to cushion small-scale traders from business shocks arising from the increased customs benchmark.
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