The government has decided not to impose a tax on both locally and internationally manufactured diapers and sanitary towels.
Announcing the changes during the second reading of the Finance Bill 2024 in Parliament on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, National Assembly Finance Committee Chair, Kuria Kimani explained that the newly proposed eco levy will now only apply to imported finished products.
According to the Molo MP, this change aims to protect local manufacturers and ensure that essential hygiene products remain affordable and accessible.
“We have exempted diapers and sanitary towels from Eco Levy to ensure our ladies and babies have access to safe and healthy menstrual health,” Kimani stated.
Adding;
“The Eco Levy will only be applied on imported finished products so that we protect our local manufacturers. We have not yet created enough capacity to produce our own sanitary towels here in Kenya. Hence, diapers and sanitary towels will be exempted from Eco Levy.”
In addition to the exemptions on diapers and sanitary towels, Kuria Kimani said the government has also decided to remove the eco levy on other items such as tyres for motorcycles and TukTuks.
This comes amid ongoing nationwide protests, where people have taken to the streets to express their opposition to various components of the Finance Bill.
These demonstrations, which began on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, have now reached their third day. Young protesters are demanding the bill’s complete suspension instead of the mere amendments made to it.
Orwoba on sanitary towels, diapers
On June 8, 2024, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba called for the removal of the Eco Levy fee for local manufacturers of pads and diapers.
Orwoba, who gained attention in 2023 for her activism against period poverty by arriving in Parliament with blood-stained pants, had joined the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) in sharing their thoughts on the Finance Bill 2024.
The senator urged the Parliamentary Committee to reconsider the Eco Levy fee on local manufacturers of pads and diapers.
She also recommended amending Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regulations that prevent manufacturers of zero-rated products from claiming VAT.
“Early this morning, I presented my views on the Finance Bill. I requested the committee to: 1. Consider removing the Eco Levy fee for local manufacturers of pads and diapers. 2. Amend the KRA Corporate regulations that don’t allow manufacturers of zero-rated products to claim VAT,” Orwoba stated.
Regarding the proposed introduction of the Eco Levy, KEWOPA acknowledged its potential to promote environmental conservation and sustainability but emphasized the need to exempt essential goods like diapers from the levy.
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