This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 11, 2020, the government proposed to amend the Excise Duty (Remission of Excise Duty) Regulations 2017 to increase tax on beer made from sorghum, such as Senator Keg.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara and his Chuka/Igambang'ombe counterpart Patrick Munene expressed their concerns over the proposed regulations, stating that it will have a negative impact on farmers in the county where sorghum and millet are predominantly grown.
‘As a representative of farmers in Tharaka, where sorghum is extensively and widely grown and is one of the biggest cash crops, I have taken the earliest opportunity to object and oppose the passing of these regulations,' said Murugara.
He added that increasing tax on beer made from sorghum will lead to a decrease in the price of sorghum, causing a trickle-down effect that will result in a drop in sorghum production as farmers will have no incentive to grow it.
‘These consumers could eventually turn to locally brewed, cheap and affordable illicit brews contrary to the government policy,' said the lawmaker.
Munene stated that if the regulations are implemented, everyone becomes a loser, including the sorghum growers, the manufacturers of Keg beer, and the government, which will not get the revenue.
