Kenya to waive duty on dates during Ramadan

By Andrew Ross

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Kenya will provide food for “vulnerable” families during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, President Uhuru Kenyatta said Wednesday.

The government will also waive tax on dates during the fasting period. The fruit is traditionally the first food Muslims break their daily fast with in the evening.

“As a government, we have decided to waive duty on dates during the months of June and July 2016, to help our Muslim brothers and sisters fulfill their religious obligations,” Kenyatta said in a message of goodwill to Kenya’s 5.5 million Muslims as they for the start of Ramadan next week.

He added: “I also direct… that vulnerable families are supported with the foods they will require during the Ramadan period.”

Muslims make up approximately 11 percent of the Kenyan population, mostly in capital Nairobi and coastal regions.