The government has waived all fees on the importation of dates during the month of Ramadan.
The move is a gesture to the Muslim faithful and in honour of the holy month.
“The government has authorized that the dates imported and cleared between March 20, and May 20, be done without the payment of taxes, import ruling fee and railway development levy,” a letter to Kenya Airports Authority (KRA) stated.
It also noted that the taxes due on the imported and cleared dates during that said period will be the responsibility of the government.
This is not the first time the government has intervened to waiter duty free on the product to celebrate Muslims.
The government waived the importation of dates last year during the same period as a gesture to show support to the muslim community.
The Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala expressed his gratitude in a tweet on his page. “The government has once again allowed duty-free importation of dates, during this year’s holy month of Ramadan. On behalf of the Muslim fraternity I would like to express my gratitude to President Kenyatta for his continued support of the Muslim community,” he wrote.
Dates are dark-skinned fruits with minimal rips and tears harvested from palm trees. Dates are greatly consumed during the period of Ramadan as it is believed that the sugar in dates keeps energy levels high and its high fibre content makes one feel full for a longer time when fasting. Muslims consume dates before eating any other meal during this period.
Ramadan is a holy month observed each year by muslims around the world. It celebrates the creation of the Quran, which is the holy book for people who practise the islamic faith. This year it will begin on April 2nd and go on till May 2nd.
Muslims across the world are set to start observing the holy month of Ramadhan, a period of fasting and prayer on April 2, this year.
Muslims faithful consider the 9th month of their calendar, known as Ramadhan, to be more than just a time of fasting, it’s a month of restraint for the whole body.
The month of Ramadhan is also the month of reaching out to people and giving charity as the faithful are required to reach out to the needy and poor, feed them and give them charity throughout the fasting season.
During the daily fast, Muslims refrain from dawn to sunset from eating, drinking, smoking and husband and wife sexual relationships.
Fasting is compulsory upon every Muslim male or female but exemptions include children under the age of puberty, insane people, men and women who are too old to undertake the obligation of fast.
