NAIROBI, Kenya—Jan 29, 2026—The Kenyan government has approved a waiver on key import levies on dates ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a move aimed at improving availability and affordability of the staple food for Muslim households amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
In a letter dated January 16, 2026, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi authorised the exemption of the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL) on dates imported for use during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 19.
The waiver follows consultations involving the Office of the Deputy President on food security and drought mitigation, as well as a formal request by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), which had sought tax relief to facilitate the distribution of dates to Muslim communities during the fasting period.
However, the Treasury clarified that while IDF and RDL have been waived, import duty and value-added tax (VAT) will still apply, citing the absence of a legal framework to grant full tax exemptions as requested.
“The tax exemption for items (a) and (b) shall apply from 12th February 2026 to 20th March 2026,” the
Dates hold deep religious significance for Muslims and are traditionally consumed to break the fast at Iftar.
Kenya imports most of its dates, primarily from the Middle East and North Africa, making prices vulnerable to taxes, exchange rates and logistics costs.
Muslim leaders welcomed the government’s intervention, describing it as a timely gesture that would ease financial pressure on families and charitable organisations that distribute food during Ramadan.
“We convey our sincere appreciation to President William Ruto for the Government’s steadfast support and solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community,” SUPKEM said in a statement, noting that the waiver promotes religious inclusivity and national unity.
The Treasury has requested SUPKEM to furnish KRA with the necessary documentation to facilitate customs clearance during the exemption period.
The move comes as the government balances fiscal consolidation with targeted relief measures, particularly for vulnerable communities affected by drought, inflation and rising food prices.
