Farmers protest tax on sorghum, millet, cassava
Friday, June 5, 2020 0:01
By GITONGA MARETE
Sorghum farmers have been contracted by Kenya Breweries Limited.
FILE PHOTO | NMG
Thousands of farmers in semi-arid areas of Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties have protested planned reduction of excise duty on sorghum, millet and cassava saying it will seriously affect their livelihoods.
The farmers particularly rely on sorghum they are contracted to grow by Kenya Breweries Limited for manufacture of Senator Keg beer, an alcoholic drink for low income earners.
In Tharaka-Nithi and parts of Meru County, there are over 30,000 farmers contracted to grow sorghum by KBL which buys it at Sh32 a kilo, providing ready market for their produce.
Beatrice Nkatha, their coordinator, Thursday said the government should consider the plight of the vulnerable farmers in the semi-arid areas and shelve the planned tax.
