Written By Lisa Murimi
The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), has announced a new directive exempting certain businesses from paying import levies on nuts and oil crops.
The change, which takes effect from Thursday, April 17, applies to enterprises operating within Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
According to AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru, the exemption will also benefit importers bringing in nuts and oil crops from East African Community (EAC) partner states—including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi.
The directive follows an amendment to the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020, made through Legal Notice No. 26 on February 14, 2025, by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. The changes align the regulations with the Finance Act 2023.
“The amendment exempts nuts and oil crop produce and products imported by EPZ and SEZ-based enterprises and originating from EAC partner states from paying import levies,” AFA stated.
The move is expected to boost regional trade and lower costs for local manufacturers and exporters.
Meanwhile, this development comes shortly after Sudan temporarily banned all imports from Kenya, citing political tensions.
However, President William Ruto confirmed on March 31 that Sudan had reversed the ban following diplomatic discussions.
AFA has urged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and reach out for clarifications as needed.
