Dates prices remain high in Garissa despite government waiving taxes
Many studies have revealed that dates contain a high amount of carbohydrates in a small package, which helps quickly replenish energy levels after fasting and suppress sugar cravings, thereby controlling appetite.
Kassim Gedi, a date fruit hawker in Garissa, is among many residents of Garissa town who are optimistic that traders will reduce the prices of the fruit following the recent tax exemption on date imports during the month of Ramadan.
Kassim says he bought a 10kg box of dates for Sh2,400 from a retail shop in Garissa.
More To Read
"On the first day of Ramadan, I walked to a retail shop to buy a box of dates, expecting the price to have gone down due to the government’s tax exemption announcement. However, I realised that prices had actually increased by Sh200. Every Ramadan, I hawk dates for survival, and I hope traders will take advantage of the duty-free imports to lower the prices," he said.
Kassim, a father of six, buys a box of dates and sells them in small quantities to his customers, who break their fast with the fruit.
Sahal Yussuf, a resident of Garissa town who bought a 10kg box of dates at the same price, expressed concern over the high cost of the commodity. He had expected prices to be reduced to make them affordable for everyone.
Kassim Gedi hawking dates in the streets of Garissa town. (Issa Hussein)
He called upon the government to follow up on how the public is benefiting from the duty-free importation of dates.
"We don’t want a situation where the waived customs fees only benefit traders. The poor, who are fasting, need affordable prices during this month of Ramadan," he said.
Several people interviewed by Eastleigh Voice expressed hope that the price of dates would decrease following the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims’ (SUPKEM) request to the government on behalf of fasting Muslims.
Ismail Gure, a wholesaler in Garissa who imports dates, said the dates currently on sale were imported before the government waived the customs fees.
He added that prices would decrease once they import more dates under the tax exemption.
Last week, President William Ruto approved a request by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims for a customs fee exemption on dates during the Ramadan period.
In a letter signed by Treasury CS John Mbadi, the government officially announced the tax exemption.
During Ramadan, Muslims often break their fast with dates, in line with the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Many studies have revealed that dates contain a high amount of carbohydrates in a small package, which helps quickly replenish energy levels after fasting and suppress sugar cravings, thereby controlling appetite.
Nutritionists also highlight that eating dates during Iftar helps curb hunger and prevents excessive eating post-fast, which can cause digestive disorders and other health issues.
Dates are sweet fruits that grow on palm-like trees and are mostly imported from Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Jordan, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Top Stories Today
