Bar owners in Kirinyaga oppose plans by KRA to increase excise duty by 6.3 percent, saying the move will push consumers into illicit, poisonous brews.
KNA
Bar owners in Kirinyaga now want the Kenya revenue authority to shelve the plans to increase the excise duty on drinks by 6.3 percent.
Kirinyaga branch chairman Antony Mucheke said that the increase in excise duty that is slated to be implemented by 1st October this year will make it difficult for most consumers to afford the legitimate alcoholic drinks and turn to illicit brews and poisonous drinks.
Speaking at Kutus in Kirinyaga, Mucheke noted that the Kenya revenue authority has been disregarding their presentation every time there are plans to increase taxes on alcoholic drinks thus killing their businesses.
Muceke said that despite considering the plight of their businesses, the government should also consider the health of the millions of young generation who have been the beneficiaries of the cheap liquor whose prices will skyrocket with the increased taxes.
He said that through the organization, they have already sent their opposing memorandum to KRA with fears that the authority will disregard it the same way they have been doing in the past.
Grace Wanjohi, a bar owner in Kirinyaga noted that the industry is still reeling from the effects of restrictions due to the Covid 19 pandemic, saying that the increased taxes will cripple the industry even more.
The association now wants the government to rethink the decision and ensure all stakeholders are involved in such matters.