President Kenyatta Announces Tax Exemption on Music Instrument Imports

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday announced that he would introduce a tax exemption that will see more imports of music-related products making their way into the Kenyan market.

The Head of State revealed that he is keen on ensuring imports of musical instruments, specifically, are exempted from tax.

He stated that import duty on musical equipment makes them more expensive, locking out institutions from the desire to develop and support young talents in the music industry.

[caption caption="President Uhuru in a group of performers at the Music Festivals (PHOTO/COURTESY)"][/caption]
The instruments will soon be zero-rated to have pianos, trumpets, tambourines and saxophones easily accessible and affordable to Kenyan schools.

“I am going to push to ensure music instruments are duty-free in order to promote our music and arts. Many schools would like to introduce music classes but are unable to do so due to the import duty that makes the equipment too expensive for them,” noted President Kenyatta.

He made the remarks when he hosted winners of the 2018 Kenya Music Festival at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County on Friday.

The recently concluded music festivals were dominated by presentations on inclusivity and national cohesion.

The president noted that the popular theme marked by the competition was an indication that his focus on uniting the country had resonated even with young Kenyans.

President Kenyatta acknowledged the theme that has been linked to the move to strike a truce with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The two leaders pledged to unite the country in a gesture that has revolutionized the Kenyan political arena neutralizing the all-time agitated and tough opposition.

[caption caption="President Uhuru in a group of performers at the Music Festivals (PHOTO/COURTESY)"][/caption]