The Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has applauded President William Ruto following a waiver on the importation fees of dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

Announcing on his official X account on Friday, January 30, 2026, Duale said that the move will make dates more available and affordable for Muslims across the country.

This comes as the Muslim community is expected to begin the Holy Month of Ramadan on February 19, 2026.

“We convey our sincere appreciation to H.E. President @WilliamsRuto for the Government’s steadfast support and solidarity with Kenya’s Muslim community through the waiver on the importation of dates ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, expected to begin on 19th February, 2026,” Duale stated.

On his part, Duale described the waiver as a thoughtful intervention underscoring the government’s commitment to religious inclusivity, mutual respect and the strengthening of national unity

“This thoughtful intervention enhances the availability and affordability of dates for Iftar and underscores the Government’s commitment to religious inclusivity, mutual respect and the strengthening of national unity,” Duale said.

SUPKEM request

The waiver follows requests made by both the Office of the Deputy President and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).

In December 2025, discussions held during a consultative meeting on drought mitigation, food security and protection of vulnerable groups highlighted the need for early importation of dates ahead of Ramadan.

SUPKEM later formally asked the government to exempt dates imported for Ramadan from all taxes to ease the burden on Muslim families.

In a letter dated January 16, 2026, the National Treasury confirmed that it had approved part of the request.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government would exempt imported dates from the Import Declaration Fee (IDF) and the Railway Development Levy (RDL).

The Treasury also committed to paying import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on the dates, noting that current laws do not allow a full tax exemption.

The tax relief will apply to dates imported between February 12 and March 20, 2026, covering the entire Ramadan period.

The Kenya Revenue Authority has been instructed to work with SUPKEM to ensure smooth customs clearance once the required documents are submitted.