Coffee farmers want taxes scrapped

Coffee farmers are calling for the scrapping of taxes in the sector that they claim have been eating into their earnings.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Premier Coffee Growers Association of Kenya (PCGAK) Secretary John Kathangu called for the full implementation of recommendations by the Prof Joseph Kieyah-led task force established by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mr Kathangu said that the implementation of the recommendations would see the industry revived and farmers ready to put in more effort in coffee production.

He added that the taxes being levied on the farmers ought to be scrapped for the benefit of farmers, adding that coffee farmers ought to be getting their dues monthly, as is the case with tea farmers.

The association secretary noted that getting annual bonuses will enticing farmers to increase production of the cash crop.

The association hailed the move by President Kenyatta to write off the Ksh2.4 billion debt owed by farmers, which they termed as a relief to farmers as they will be able to concentrate on improving the sector.