President William Ruto has extended a one-month duty-free offer to the Muslim community in the country ahead of the Ramadan period.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale shared a statement on Wednesday, January 31, revealing that President Ruto has granted businessmen the opportunity to import dates, a staple during the Ramadan period, without paying the customary duty.
Dates, the sweet and chewy fruit of the date palm tree, are commonly consumed by Muslims during Ramadan. Duale highlighted that Ruto collaborated with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to designate the duty-free period from March 10th to April 9th.
The Defence CS expressed appreciation for the offer, emphasizing its significance in fortifying religious institutions in the country. Ramadan in Kenya for 2024 is expected to commence on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, and conclude at sunset on Tuesday, April 9th.
“We sincerely appreciate H.E President William Ruto for expressing the Government’s support and solidarity with the Muslim Community of Kenya through the importation of duty-free dates during this year’s Holy month of Ramadan, expected to run between 10th March to 9th April,” read a part of Duale’s statement.
“This continued gesture of kindness is an affirmation of our belief in a unified nation of diverse religious practices as enshrined in the Constitution.”
However, as stipulated in the notice by KRA, traders must submit a formal application before receiving the exemption certificate. Additionally, KRA will conduct scans on all imported goods for risk management purposes.
KRA officials will compile comprehensive records, including the consignment size, importation date, and other relevant details, which will be shared with the National Treasury.
