NAIROBI– Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Monday welcomed the move by President William Ruto’s government of exempting taxes from dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadhan.

This is after the government announced exemption of the Muslim community from paying taxes on dates imported for the holy month of Ramadhan.

In a statement posted on his official social media pages, CS Duale expressed his gratitude towards President Ruto for his gracious gesture during this year’s expected holy month of Ramadhan.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President William Ruto for the government’s unwavering support and solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community through the importation of duty-free dates for this year’s Holy Month of Ramadan, set to begin on March 1,” Duale stated.

“This noble initiative eases access to this essential fruit for Iftar and further reflects the government’s commitment to fostering religious inclusivity and national unity.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to H.E. President @WilliamsRuto for the government's unwavering support and solidarity with Kenya's Muslim community through the importation of duty-free dates for this year's Holy Month of Ramadan, set to begin on March 1st.

This noble… pic.twitter.com/7Z1hkyLGZL

— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) February 24, 2025

President Ruto’s approval follows a request by the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims to the government to have certain customs fees waived during the Ramadhan period.

In a response letter signed by Treasury CS John Mbadi, the government agreed to two of the requests including paying the import duty and VAT of dates being imported for use during the month of Ramadhan as there is no provision for granting tax exemption as requested.

The second assurance given by the government was an exemption from the Import Declaration Form (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL) for dates imported for use during the same period.

“By a copy of this letter, the National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims is requested to furnish the Commissioner with the necessary documentation for customs clearance,” the letter concluded.

On his part National Chairman of Supreme Coucil of Kenya Muslim (SUPKEM) , Hassan Ole Naado has welcomed the move by government to exempt taxes from dates used during Ramadhan.

“Thank you, President William Ruto for your support in easing import duties for Ramadhan dates. Your efforts make a significant impact on our community! Prophet Mohamed taught us that: “He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah.” Said Ole Naado.

Muslims are expected to start observing the holy month of Ramadan beginning 1st of March 2025