Kenya is set to introduce new levies on the import and export of key food crops such as cereals, legumes, and tubers starting July 1, 2024.
The move, announced by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), aims to promote and regulate the production, processing, and trade of these vital agricultural products in line with the Crops (Food Crops) Regulations, 2019.
In a notice issued by Dr. Bruno Linyiru, the Director General of the AFA, the authority has informed all food crop importers and exporters about the impending implementation of levies as mandated by the Crops (Food Crops) Regulations, 2019.
These regulations were gazetted on December 31, 2019, following consultations between the AFA, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and relevant stakeholders.
The levies will be imposed at varying rates based on the type of crop and whether it is being imported or exported. For cereals, a 2% levy will be applied to exports, while imports will be subject to a 0.3% levy. Legumes and pulses will face the same rates, with a 2% levy on exports and 0.3% on imports. Roots and tubers will be levied at 1% for exports and 0.3% for imports.
The AFA, established under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act of 2013, is mandated to operationalize the Crops Act, 2013, which empowers the Cabinet Secretary to make regulations in consultation with the Authority and County Governments.
