Government sets Sh1.1 billion to scrap tea taxes

BOMET, KENYA: The Government has set aside Sh 1.1billion to scrap many taxes that have been levied on the tea sector as a measure to improve production of the crop, Deputy President William Ruto has said. 

Mr. Ruto said MPs were ready to approve the allocation of the money in the next financial year as one way of a transforming the lives of tea farmers through increased production 

He said the money would cushion farmers from paying taxes on the crop and thus encourage them to intensify on its production. 

“We have put in place the necessary steps aimed at relieving tea farmers the burden of paying taxes as one way of promoting the production of the crop,” said Mr. Ruto. 

The latest developments will enable tea farmers enjoy the benefits of the crop like their coffee and miraa counterparts after the Government recently moved swiftly to help remove barriers that had become stumbling block to their development. 

The Deputy President said the Government is committed to the development of the agricultural sector noting that it is through farming that more employment opportunities can be created in the country. 

Mr. Ruto made the remarks during the requiem mass service for mzee Jeremiah Kimutai Chebaituk, father to former Konoin MP Dr. Julius Kones held at Meswondo primary school grounds in Bomet County on Tuesday. 

Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Governor Isaac Ruto (Bomet) and MPs Joyce Laboso (Sotik), Leornard Sang (Buret), Wilfred Lesan (Bomet), Paul Bii (Chepalungu), Bernard Bett (Bomet East) and Ayub Savula (Lugari) attended.

Others were former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth, deputy governors Everlyn Aruasa (Narok), Stephen Mutai (Bomet) and former Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny. 

Calls to forge a common development agenda for the region dominated speeches among the MPs. 

The legislators resolved to bury the hatchets and work together in solving the problems facing the residents. 

Mr., Kuttuny pleaded with leaders to unite under the leadership of the Jubilee administration saying it was committed to solving the problems facing all Kenyans.