President William Ruto at Michinda Social Housing Project in Elburgon, Molo Constituency, Nakuru County/PCSPresident William Ruto has declared war on imported furniture, vowing to impose heavy taxes on those bringing in foreign-made products.
Ruto said the measure is part of his administration’s efforts to boost local manufacturing and create jobs.
Speaking during a public engagement at the Molo Technical and Vocational College in Elburgon, Nakuru County, on Monday, the president said Kenyans importing beds, tables, and doors will soon face stiff penalties, insisting that the country must depend on its own artisans and resources.
“Those importing will pay heavy taxes; they will sweat,” President Ruto warned.
“Do those importing want to tell us one cannot sleep on a bed made in Kenya? If they cannot, they better sleep on the floor.”
Ruto questioned why Kenyans should spend foreign exchange on importing basic furniture when local carpenters, joiners, and youth in technical colleges have the skills to meet demand.
“I have talked to Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. Why would one go to China or Europe to buy a bed, a table, or a door? That will come to an end. Beds will be made in Kenya; chairs and doors—all of them will be made in Kenya,” he declared, drawing applause from residents.
The Head of State added that even the wood used in furniture production will come from trees grown and harvested locally, creating a full value chain that benefits Kenyan workers.
“Those who will be making the furniture will also be Kenyan,” he said, emphasising his administration’s commitment to “move Kenya forward from the ordinary and familiar to the extraordinary and exceptional.”
Ruto’s comments come amid growing concern over Kenya’s rising furniture imports, which continue to flood the market despite government measures to promote local production.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), imports of furniture, bedding, mattresses, and related furnishings surged to about Sh8.69 billion in the nine months ending March 2024—a 13.1 percent increase from Sh7.68 billion during the same period the previous year.
This sharp growth has persisted despite elevated tariffs aimed at protecting local manufacturers.
Under the Finance Act 2023, the government raised the import duty on furniture from 35 percent to 45 percent while introducing an additional 30 percent excise duty on imported items.
The move was intended to reduce reliance on imports, support small-scale manufacturers, and stimulate job creation in the timber and furniture sectors.
However, experts say the continued growth of imports signals deeper challenges. The domestic furniture industry struggles with high production costs, limited access to quality timber, and competition from cheaper imported goods—particularly from Asia.
