Mombasa poultry farmers demand unified tax policy amid double taxation woes

KENYA – In Mombasa, poultry farmers and their counterparts from neighbouring regions are rallying for the Council of Governors (CoG) to address what they describe as punitive double taxation on poultry products. 

They argue inconsistent tax policies across counties are inflating operational costs and harming their competitiveness in local markets.

The farmers cite significant disparities in taxes on poultry products between counties, leading to double taxation when they transport goods across county lines. 

Mombasa County, for instance, imposes various fees, including a carcass inspection fee, offloading fees per live chicken, transport certificate charges, and annual permits based on flock size. 

These cumulative costs are especially burdensome for small-scale farmers, who say the expenses are cutting into already slim profit margins and often have to be passed on to consumers.

“Poultry farming is already challenging with rising costs of feed, medicine, and operations. These inconsistent taxes just add to our burden,” said Moses Kilonzo, a poultry farmer in Mombasa County. “We’re not asking for special treatment—just fairness and uniformity so we can operate without these extra hurdles.”

The issue has drawn attention from Timothy Mulwa, Chairperson of the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya, who confirmed that complaints over levies on chicks, eggs, and meat in Mombasa have been shared with the county administration, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, and the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Mulwa emphasised that these fees discourage inter-county trade, inflate consumer prices, and compromise the sector’s growth. He urged for a quick resolution to enable fairer trading conditions for poultry products.

The Kiambu Poultry Farmers Cooperative echoed these sentiments, arguing that double taxation harms the poultry industry and food security. 

The Cooperative’s Chairperson stated that a standardised tax policy across counties would protect rural livelihoods and allow farmers to operate on a level playing field.

In response, a CoG spokesperson acknowledged the farmers’ concerns, noting ongoing stakeholder discussions aimed at developing a unified approach to poultry taxation that respects county autonomy while promoting fair trade practices.

With growing support for reform, poultry farmers are hopeful that the CoG will act swiftly to implement fairer, more efficient tax policies. 

They believe these changes are essential for sustaining poultry farming and ensuring that the industry remains a viable source of income and food security across counties.

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