The stalemate facing the publishing industry can only be solved if the government and publishers took an initiative to discuss favourable taxes to be imposed on publishers.
This comes amid public outcry that the publishers were charging high prices, making it difficult for parents and well-wishers to purchase learning materials.
The publishers have since blamed government for increasing tax rates up to 30 per cent from 18 per cent leading to high cost of production.
Speaking at his Borabu backyard on Sunday, philanthropist Dr Nyandoro Kambi faulted the government and the publishers for failing to solve the crisis, making it difficult for parents to afford purchasing of books.
“The publishing sector is fundamental in promoting education. However, as one of the well-wishers, I am shocked that books prices have been hiked because of the tax row between government and publishers. The government should hold talks with the publishes to have the rates regulated to affordable rates,” he said.
Nyandoro said a number of schools witnessed unconvincing performances in 2015 KCPE results partly due to scarcity of learning materials and said the government should consider dropping the rates for the sake of improving education.
“The new taxation rates are not affecting consumers. It will be even difficult for some of us to purchase study books for schools. For instance, in Borabu, generally the KCPE performances was dismal and we need to improve that. Let them talk and set rates which are favourable so that we can have the prices reduced at our bookshops,” he said.