The national government has set aside Sh1.1 billion 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.
Ruto said all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure MPs 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 green leafy and thus encourage them to intensify on the production of the crop.
“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 Ruto.
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.
“The Government will waive levies charged on tea production, subsidise fertiliser prices and make it available to all crop growers. The move will allow farmers maximise returns and boost the economy at the grassroots,” added DP Ruto.
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)and former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth attended the requiem.