Help farmers, but not at the expense of the local economy

Robert Nyangechi an organic farmer tends to his vegetables planted on a vertical organic bag at his Getenga farm in Kisii County. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Nearly everything a politician does is with the objective of getting re-elected. Thus, the latest charm offensive by Members of the National Assembly to protect local farmers by slapping imported food commodities with high taxes is nothing short of a campaign gesture.

Yet, oftentimes, such campaign manoeuvres benefit voters. But there are times when such populist measures end up hurting consumers and the economy at large. Most of the changes MPs have introduced in the Finance Bill 2021 are welcome. The amendments touch on items close to the common man such as farming and boda bodas.