Poultry farmers in Mombasa and surrounding regions of Kenya are facing significant challenges due to double taxation on poultry products. These farmers have appealed to the Council of Governors (CoG) to address the inconsistent tax policies across counties that increase costs and impact their ability to compete effectively in the local market. As poultry products move from one county to another, varying tax structures lead to double taxation, which ultimately burdens the farmers and undermines inter-county trade. Farmers have expressed that these inconsistent tax practices make it increasingly difficult for them to maintain a profitable business, especially given the rising costs associated with feed, medicine, and general operations.
In Mombasa, the situation is particularly burdensome. The county imposes a range of taxes, including inspection fees, offloading fees for each live chicken, transportation certificates, and annual permits based on flock size. These additional charges accumulate quickly, impacting the financial stability of many small-scale farmers who are already working with limited resources. For these farmers, the cumulative cost of such levies can be prohibitive, making it challenging to sustain their operations and meet market demands. Moses Kilonzo, a farmer from Mombasa, voiced his concerns, stating that these additional financial requirements are an undue burden on top of the already high operational expenses. Kilonzo emphasized the need for uniformity and fairness in taxation to allow farmers to operate without these added obstacles.
The Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya, led by Chairperson Timothy Mulwa, has been an ardent advocate for change on behalf of poultry producers. Mulwa stated that the issue of excessive taxes has been discussed with various key stakeholders, including the Mombasa County administration, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and the Ministry of Agriculture. These organizations have been urged to intervene and provide a solution that will alleviate the financial load on chicken farmers. Mulwa emphasized that the current levies not only impede the transportation of poultry goods across counties, but also drive up consumer costs. For many households, particularly low-income ones, the rise in poultry costs makes it more difficult to get affordable protein sources, hurting both nutrition and food security.
The challenges faced by poultry farmers in Mombasa resonate with those in other counties as well. The Kiambu Poultry Farmers Cooperative has similarly called for a standardized tax framework that would eliminate double taxation across counties. According to the cooperative, the current approach harms the poultry industry and poses risks to food security in the long term. Farmers believe that a standardized policy across counties would encourage fair competition and enable them to focus more on production and less on navigating complex tax structures. As things stand, the cost implications of double taxation threaten the growth and sustainability of the poultry sector, a vital part of Kenya’s agricultural economy.
In response to these concerns, the Council of Governors has acknowledged the complaints raised by poultry farmers and affirmed that efforts are underway to harmonize county tax policies. A CoG spokesperson confirmed that discussions among stakeholders are ongoing to create a unified approach to poultry taxation that would promote fair trade across counties while respecting the autonomy of each county’s tax administration. These discussions are expected to foster a balanced approach that addresses the needs of farmers, consumers, and county governments alike. The hope among poultry farmers is that these dialogues will lead to a more consistent and fair system that supports inter-county trade and reduces unnecessary costs. As negotiations continue, farmers remain hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached, allowing them to operate in a more predictable business environment without the threat of financial strain from excessive and inconsistent taxes.
