Treasury CS Henry Rotich Says 'Sweet Tooth' Tax on Chocolate, Candies is Meant to Save Kenyans from Obesity

Kenyans with a sweet tooth will now be forced to dig deeper into their pockets to afford chocolate and candies following the signing into law of the Finance Bill 2018 by President Uhuru on Friday.

The new law imposes Sh20 excise duty for every kilogram of sugar confectionery and will effectively affect the prices of other sugary products including sweets, candied nuts, chewing gum and bubble gum.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich defended the increased tax on sugar confectionery, saying that it would not only generate more revenue but save Kenyans from increasing cases of obesity and other sugar-related illnesses such as diabetes.

"This will reduce your sweet tooth and save Kenyans from avoidable lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity. You should not complain about this tax because the State is even spending more on countering obesity," said Rotich.

The "sweet tooth" tax was part of Uhuru's proposals in the memorandum on Finance Bill 2018 which was approved by Members of Parliament on Thursday in a session marred by chaos. 

“You’re complaining about this tax while the country is spending more on obesity. That was the rationale we used when we decided to control the problem through taxation while also increasing government’s revenue,” Rotich added.