Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Wednesday, lauded President William Ruto's move to allow the importation of duty-free dates during this year's Holy month of Ramadhan.
Taking to his X page, the CS acknowledged the move, stating that it was an affirmation of the belief in a unified nation of diverse religious practices as enshrined in the Constitution.
"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 Ramadhan, expected to run between March 10 to April 9," CS Duale stated.
"This continued gesture of kindness is an affirmation of our belief in a unified nation of diverse religious practices as enshrined in the Constitution," Duale added.
The move comes five days after the Supreme Council of Muslims in Kenya (SUPKEM) made an application to the Ministry of Treasury requesting the importation of duty-free dates from March 10 to April 9, 2024.
SUPKEM disclosed that it had received several requests from donors overseas who offered to donate dates to Muslims in Kenya.
"The purpose of this letter is to kindly request the Ministry, through your office for the tax exemption of dates once they are brought to Kenya," noted Abdullahi Salat, the SPKEM Secretary General.
While responding to the request, the Ministry of Treasury stated that the government will cover the taxes due on the dates imported and cleared during the celebrations.
Following the approval, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) directed importers to file applications at the Institute of Commercial Management (iCMS) requesting for issuance of an exemption processing code which should be attached to the importation documents.
According to KRA, the consignments will be scanned in a risk management exercise before being allowed into the country.
"Risk Management Division and PCA to note that if the dates are sold or otherwise not distributed as intended, appropriate taxes shall become due and payable," read part of a statement by KRA.
"All staff are to ensure that the relevant laws, regulations and procedures governing importation and clearance of the goods must at all times during this period be complied with, even as we facilitate trade," KRA added.
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