Non-filtered cigarettes will cost 7 per cent less a stick after the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich reduced the tax yesterday.
The Treasury has split the tax for cigarettes ensuring makers continue to pay Sh2.50 per stick for cigarettes with filters and Sh1.8 for those without.
The two types of cigarettes have been attracting a common price of Sh2.50 per stick.
Economy brands like Rooster and Rocket will cost less compared to premium brands like Dunhill and Embassy and mid-priced brands like Sportsman, Sweet Menthol, Super Match and Safari.
Mr Rotich’s policy aims at spurring a boom in a sale of cheaper cigarette brands whose demand had gone down. “This tax measure will ensure equity and fairness in the tobacco industry and prevent job losses,” Rotich said.
