Kenya's food tax sparks crisis: Right to food under threat

In a nation where food is not just sustenance but a fundamental right, recent proposals by the Kenyan Treasury to levy taxes on essential food items like milk and bread have ignited widespread concern.

The debate surrounding these plans is not merely about economics; it's about safeguarding the basic human right to food for all Kenyan citizens.

Milk and bread are not just commodities; they are lifelines for many Kenyan households, particularly in urban areas where access to traditional alternatives is limited.

These staples provide vital nutrition and sustenance, especially for low-income families grappling with food insecurity. With alarming statistics revealing that 30% of Kenyans are undernourished and 18% of children under five are stunted, any measures that threaten access to these essential foods must be carefully scrutinized.

Embedded within the Kenyan Constitution of 2010 is the unequivocal right to food – a promise of freedom from hunger and access to adequate food of acceptable quality for every citizen.

However, the proposed taxes on basic food items jeopardize this fundamental right by placing undue financial burdens on those least equipped to bear them.

The implications of these proposed taxes extend beyond mere economics. They represent a threat to the well-being of vulnerable households already struggling to make ends meet. Middle-class families, already burdened by rising living costs and stagnant wages, will face further hardships. Moreover, the physical accessibility of food, particularly in remote areas, could be compromised, exacerbating the plight of marginalized communities.

Additionally, the proposed withholding tax on smallholder farmers – the backbone of our agricultural sector – adds another layer of concern. These farmers, who play a pivotal role in feeding our nation and contributing significantly to our GDP, are already grappling with numerous challenges, from climate change to limited access to resources. Taxing their produce not only undermines their livelihoods but also undermines efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and rural development.

It is imperative that we adopt a rights-based approach to food and nutrition, one that prioritizes inclusivity, participation, and empowerment of all stakeholders, especially smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups. While voluntary guidelines on the right to food were adopted in 2004, their implementation has been lacking, as evidenced by recent policy directives that contradict their principles.

As Kenya approaches the 20th anniversary of these voluntary guidelines, it is incumbent upon the government to reaffirm its commitment to realizing the right to food for all citizens. This requires comprehensive legislation and policy frameworks that prioritize the interests of the most vulnerable among us.

In conclusion, the proposed taxation of essential food items and smallholder produce poses a grave threat to food security and the progressive realization of the right to food in Kenya. We must act urgently to address these concerns and uphold the fundamental principles of food accessibility, affordability, and nutritional adequacy for all Kenyan citizens.

Njeri Karanu is the convener of the Right to Food Coalition