Moses Kuria: I'll Propose New 25% Levy on Imported Clothes

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has conveyed his intention to suggest new taxes on imported clothes to promote the growth of the local textile industry. 

According to Kuria, Kenya's textile industry has great potential and therefore must be strengthened to benefit the citizens. He intends to propose a 25% tax on imported clothes in the near future to encourage local clothing production. Kuria believes that imported clothes should be treated as a luxury, rather than the primary source of clothing for Kenyans. During a discussion with members of the textile industry in Eldoret on Monday, the CS acknowledged significant opposition to the levies from traders of Mitumba clothes. However, Kuria stressed that accessible and affordable locally-produced garments could create greater financial opportunities for all involved.

"In the next Finance Bill or even earlier, I will propose a new 25 per cent levy in imported clothes because the time has come for us to grow our textile sector for the benefit of Kenyans," Kuria said.

Kuria has emphasized the importance of producing local apparel and has urged players in the textile industry to help turn around the sector. He believes that the country has a huge potential in the textile industry and that Kenyans should not be forced to depend on imported apparel. The CS has also claimed that the sector is broken and employs only 50,000 people, yet it has the potential to employ millions. 

Kuria has encouraged individuals in the industry to seize the available opportunity and promote the cultivation of cotton in every possible county. He is confident that the nation can become self-sustaining in fabric manufacture, and local farmers are prepared to take charge of cotton production.