Kenya’s Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) on Monday, November 20, 2023, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock to answer questions on the tax waivers on sugar, rice, and maize imports.
The Legislators demanded information on the import companies, their selection procedures, and the amounts of sugar, rice, and maize imported.
In response, CS Linturi said that in December 2022, the projected deficit was adjusted to 100,000MT to cover for the period January-March 2023.
You May Also Like
“Kenya experienced prolonged drought from 2020 to 2022 described as the worst in 40 years.
The 2022 drought caused crop failure creating a national food deficit by about 34%. Maize production was lowest in 10 years at 34.
4 million 90kg bags against a national consumption requirement of 50 million 90kg bags,” said Linturi.
“An approved pre-import duty waiver for 100,000 MT of sugar was granted on December 22 2022 through Gazette Notice.”
MPs also urged that all firms engaged in the latest imports be fully disclosed.
Concerns had been raised about the eligibility of companies as importers. It was alleged that they lacked defined standards and the extension of importation via a Gazette Notice released in October 2023.
Lawmakers further questioned the sustainability of the commodity imports.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s responses, with Members’ demanding more comprehensive information on importers.
More Stories
Kenya Railways Announces Additional SGR Trips to Meet Rising Passenger Demand
Father Jailed for 30 Years for Defiling Stepdaughter
KRA Appoints George Obell as Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers Department
Gospel Artist Betty Bayo Passes Away
Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti Passes Away at 88
