Government to Pay Taxes on Dates Imported During Month of Ramadhan

The government on Tuesday announced that it will pay the taxes relating to the importation of dates (a sweet fruit popularly consumed during the month of Ramadhan).

In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Kamau Thugge wrote to the Kenya Revenue Authority Commission General John Njiraini declaring that the move was a gesture of goodwill to Muslims in the country.

"As a gesture of manifesting goodwill to our Muslim brothers during the month of Ramadhan, an important period in the Muslim calender, the taxes relating to the dates imported between now and the end of month of Ramadhan will be paid by the government," read the statement.

[caption caption="The statement issued by the National Treasury"][/caption]

Muslims observe Ramadhan which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar by fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. 

According to Islamic belief, the month is used to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. 

[caption caption="File image of Muslims praying"][/caption]

It starts when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. This year, it will begin on the evening of May 15 and end on June 14.

The Mediterranean fruit, known as dates, is a popular food consumed by Muslims breaking their fast.

Nutritionists have linked the fruit to providing relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia, sexual dysfunctions, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions.

Dates also help for a healthy weight gain.

They are rich in several vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium, which are all beneficial for health. 

[caption caption="A plate of dates"][/caption]

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