Finance Act 2026 takes effect with higher tax on imported sugar

The Finance Act of 2026 has officially come into force, with imported sugar among the biggest casualties. Excise duty on imported sugar has been raised more than fivefold from about 7 shillings to 40 shillings per kilogramme. The higher tax is expected to push up the cost of imported sugar in the coming days, in a move the government claims is meant to shield local producers. Here now is Jasmine Wambui with a look at what changes the country should expect at the turn of the financial year.