Over the years, market Cess charges on agricultural produce by different counties at different rates have negatively affected the price in the commodity markets. In a country where agriculture serves as the backbone to most of the population, careful and strategic assessment of these tax provisions is paramount. It is crucial to strike a balance between revenue generation for county governments and supporting the growth and competitiveness of the agriculture sector. By fostering transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision- when making policies for Cess and other market levies, the Government of Kenya and county governments can create an enabling environment that facilitates agricultural productivity, stimulates investment, and ensures food security for its citizens.
To address this challenge, there was a need for collective effort by the actors to plan, agree, and find a way forward.
On 27th and 28th July 2023, the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), in conjunction with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), convened a stakeholders’ workshop at Lake Naivasha Resort, Nakuru County to review agricultural produce Cess and other market-related levies. NPCK represented the potato value chain.
The meeting was intended to review and produce a working document that will form the basis of advocacy for harmonizing agricultural produce Cess and other market-associated levies. The document will be useful in providing evidence-based advocacy tools through both the national and county governments for a better framework. In attendance were different private sector players in the agriculture value chain, farmer organizations & associations, government representatives (Policy Department), and development partners.
Participants during the review
