Kenya has acted swiftly to rectify its earlier stance on duty-free importation of sugar [PHOTO/kenyans.co.ke]

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Kenya has retreated on its earlier policy on sugar importation just days after the National Treasury permitted the duty-free importation of the commodity.

Currently, a kilo of sugar in Kenya retails at an all-time high Sh200, taking a huge toll on the soaring cost of living in the country.

Earlier, the government had aimed at cutting the retail prices and allowed that “anybody” could import sugar from any country without paying any tax.

This had set the stage for friction with neighbouring countries in the Common Market for the Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). 

“We have decided to place a cap on the amount of sugar that we can allow duty-free,” Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe said.

This latest twist has been put in a gazette notice that will be published this week.