Mombasa County’s Proposed Levies Threaten To Decimate Local Businesses

In a surprising turn of events, the Mombasa County Government has ignited a storm within the local poultry industry with its recent proposal to impose new levies and charges on chicken meat, live chickens, and eggs.

The move, aimed at generating revenue for the county, has been met with fierce opposition from the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya, who argue that the proposed 5 shilling levy on every chicken and 10 shilling charge on each egg will have devastating consequences for the poultry business in the region.

The poultry industry in Mombasa has long been a crucial component of the local economy, providing a source of income for numerous families and ensuring a steady supply of affordable protein to the community. The proposed levies, however, threaten to disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to a decline in poultry production and a subsequent rise in prices.

Members of the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya expressed their dissatisfaction during a protest held yesterday outside the county government offices. The atmosphere was charged with frustration as poultry farmers, hatchery owners, and egg producers gathered to voice their concerns. The association argues that the new levies would significantly increase the cost of production, making it financially unviable for many businesses to continue operating.

“The poultry industry is already facing challenges such as feed prices and diseases. The imposition of these new levies is a direct threat to our survival,” remarked Halima Abdala, a poultry farmer and member of the association. “If these charges are implemented, the entire industry will be on the brink of collapse, and people will suffer from a lack of access to affordable, nutritious poultry products.”

The association also highlighted the potential impact on consumers, emphasizing that the increased costs would be passed on to them, leading to higher prices for chicken meat and eggs. This, they argue, could result in a decline in the consumption of these essential protein sources, adversely affecting the nutritional balance of the local population.

The farmers are urgently requesting for a meeting with Mombasa County.

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