NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 1 – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has welcomed the government’s decision to waive import duty on dates ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, saying the move demonstrates solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community.
In a statement, Duale conveyed his appreciation to President William Ruto for what he described as the government’s steadfast support, noting that Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
He said the waiver will enhance the availability and affordability of dates, which are traditionally consumed during Iftar, the meal used to break the daily fast.
“This thoughtful intervention underscores the government’s commitment to religious inclusivity, mutual respect and the strengthening of national unity,” Duale said.
Dates hold deep religious and cultural significance during Ramadan, with demand for the fruit rising sharply during the fasting period. The tax relief is expected to help stabilise prices and ease the cost burden on households.
The National Treasury approved tax relief on the importation of dates ahead of Ramadan 2026, in a move aimed at easing access to food for Muslim communities and supporting drought mitigation efforts.
In a letter to Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Mulongo, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said dates imported for Ramadan will be exempt from the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL). The government will also meet the cost of import duty and value-added tax (VAT).
The decision follows consultations led by the Office of the Deputy President on drought mitigation and food security, alongside a formal request by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) seeking tax waivers to facilitate the distribution of dates during the holy month.
“The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury hereby grants exemption from Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and Railway Development Levy (RDL) in respect of dates being imported for use during the month of Ramadhan,” Mbadi said.
He added that the Treasury will cover import duty and VAT, noting there is no legal provision for a full tax exemption as requested.
The relief will apply between February 12 and March 20, 2026, ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 19.
Treasury has directed SUPKEM to submit the required documentation to KRA to facilitate customs clearance, a move expected to ease supply chains and help stabilise date prices during the fasting period.
