Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has welcomed a government decision ahead of the holy month of Ramadan the waive key import levies on dates.
CS Duale, in a statement posted on Friday, January 30, thanked President William Ruto for backing the measure and described it as a show of solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community, adding that the move will enhance affordability and strengthen religious inclusivity.
“We convey our sincere appreciation to H.E. President William Ruto for the Government’s steadfast support and solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community through the waiver on the importation of dates ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said.
He added that the intervention would improve access to dates for Iftar while reinforcing national cohesion.
Govt waives levies on the importation of dates
The CS’s statement was accompanied by a letter from the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, addressed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General, Humphrey Mulongo, outlining the scope of the waiver.
According to the letter, the decision followed consultations on drought mitigation, food security, and protection of vulnerable populations, as well as a formal request from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) seeking tax relief on dates imported for distribution during Ramadan.
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The Treasury approved an exemption from the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL) on dates imported specifically for use during the holy month. However, the government stopped short of granting a full tax exemption.
In the letter, Treasury stated that it would instead shoulder some of the tax burden.
“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; and undertakes to pay import duty and VAT in respect of dates being imported for use during the month of Ramadhan as there is no provision to grant tax exemption as requested.”
The waiver will apply for a defined period to cover the Ramadan season. Treasury specified that the exemptions will be in force from February 12, 2026, to March 20, 2026.
To facilitate implementation, the National Chairman of SUPKEM has been asked to provide KRA with the required documentation to enable customs clearance of the consignments.
Ramadan
The move is expected to ease the cost of dates, which are traditionally consumed to break the fast during Ramadan, a sacred month marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. In 2026, the holy month is expected to begin on February 19 and run until around March 19, 2026.
During this period, Muslims traditionally break their fast at sunset with dates, a practice rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Dates are widely regarded as the preferred food for Iftar because they provide a quick source of natural sugars and nutrients after long periods of fasting.
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Their nutritional profile includes glucose and fructose for immediate energy, fibre to aid digestion, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Because fasting also involves abstaining from water during daylight hours, dates are commonly consumed with water or juice at the start of the evening meal.
According to Muslim Aid, the popularity of dates peaks during Ramadan, with households purchasing large quantities for daily Iftar meals.
While consuming dates to break the fast is not mandatory, it is considered a recommended and praiseworthy practice, reflecting the habits of the Prophet. Among the many varieties consumed, Ajwa dates hold particular significance.
Cultivated mainly in Saudi Arabia, especially in Madinah, Ajwa dates are frequently mentioned in Islamic tradition and are highly regarded for both their texture and perceived health benefits. Their association with the Prophet has made them one of the most sought-after varieties during Ramadan.
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