- He further urged Kenyans to extend empathy and kindness to their Muslim counterparts when they begin the fasting period.
- Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening of Sunday, March 10 and end on Tuesday, April 9.
Image: HANDOUT
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said that the government has allocated Sh 123 million to ensure that vulnerable Muslim families have access to nutritious meals during Ramadan.
In his official address on Thursday, Mwaura said that the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to ensuring that the Muslim faithful are supported during their fast.
The foodstuff, according to Mwaura includes rice, beans and vegetable oils.
"This move demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring unity with Muslims during the Ramadan period," he said.
He further urged Kenyans to extend empathy and kindness to their Muslim counterparts when they begin the fasting period.
Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening of Sunday, March 10 and end on Tuesday, April 9.
These are estimated days of Ramadan according to the Islamic calendar which follows the lunar cycle.
The dates may vary depending on the location due to moon sightings or absence.
Last month, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale commended President William Ruto for the government's unwavering support towards the Muslim community in Kenya.
This is after the state exempted the Muslim community from paying taxes on dates imported for the holy month of Ramadhan
In a statement, CS Duale expressed his gratitude towards Ruto during this year's expected Holy month of Ramadhan.
"This continued gesture of kindness is an affirmation of our belief in a unified nation of diverse religious practices as enshrined in the Constitution," he said.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim had written to the CS requesting for the tax exemption on dates.
The request was made through its Secretary General Abdullahi Salat in a letter dated January 25, 2024.
As a result, Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u announced that the taxes due on the dates imported during Ramadhan will be on the government.
"To provide the same support of the Muslim Community the government has authorised that the dates imported and cleared during this year's Ramadhan period, be done without payment of taxes, import declaration fees and railway development levy," he said
In Islam, dates are considered a blessed fruit, and consuming them during Ramadan is believed to bring blessings and rewards, connecting individuals with their faith and the prophetic tradition.