Seven Kenyan companies have been granted permission to import total of 20,800 tonnes of sugar under a special East African Community (EAC) tariff for the production of various industrial products, such as soft drinks, chewing gum, tomato sauce, and others.
In Kenya, sugar-based products are produced using industrial sugar imported through the EAC-wide duty remission scheme, wwhich attracts a payable duty rate of 10 percent.
Kevian Kenya Ltd, owned by industrialist Kimani Rugendo, received approval to import 6,000 tonnes for producing juices, soft drinks, and tomato-based products.
Patco Industries Ltd. has also received approval to import 6,000 tonnes for the production of candies, chewing gum, and baking sugars.
Mars Wrigley Confectionery Kenya Ltd. is cleared to import 5,500 tonnes, while Bidcoro Africa Ltd and Tri-Clover Industries Ltd. have been approved for 1,000 tonnes each.
Sunny Processors Ltd and Khetia Drapers Ltd. were granted approval to import 700 and 600 tonnes, respectively.
Beatrice Askul Moe, chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, said the seven firms will be allowed to make the shipments over the next 12 months.
