Dates/FILE
The Council of Imaams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has pleaded with President William Ruto to waive the tax on dates (Tende) importation as the Holy month of Ramadan commences.
Speaking at the CIPK offices, Mombasa County, the Council Organizing Secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa noted that the move shall strictly apply during the period of Ramadan, hence, they were urging the President to issue a direct order to the National Treasury.
“Dates are imported during the holy month to benefit over 20million Muslims across the nation, a significant number of them being among the less fortunate, hence the move will provide a seamless environment for fasting,” he said.
The Council Chairman, Coast Region, Abdallah Ateka, reiterated the need for immediate action, citing that it was barely 2 weeks to the holy month.
“We reckon that President William Ruto is a pious leader, thus, we believe that our plea will be taken into keen consideration to ensure that Muslims feel their place as Kenyan citizens,” he noted.
He further called for a convenient supply of food hampers for Iftar across the 47 counties to ensure that Muslims are not burdened with hunger due to a lack of resources.
Meanwhile, Ramadan 2025 is set to begin on February 28, upon the sighting of the moon, and Muslims faithfully use dates mostly to break their fast, whereas per the Islamic scriptures, only three dates and a glass of water are enough for the practice.