Uasin Gishu politician and businessman Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, has urged the Government of Kenya to exempt electric-powered machinery from taxes as a strategy to lower food prices and boost farm productivity.
In a statement shared on his social platforms on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Buzeki, who is expected to vie for the Uasin Gishu governorship in the 2027 General Election, called for tax exemption for electric vehicles, EV trucks, tractors, motorcycles and other electric-powered machinery and accessories, alongside removal of VAT on solar-powered equipment and irrigation systems.
“This is not merely an environmental policy. It is an economic and food-security strategy,” Buzeki said.
How cheaper farm machinery can lower cost of food
According to the former two-time gubernatorial aspirant, who formally joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in September 2025, cheaper farm machinery would directly reduce production costs for smallholder farmers.
“Cheaper tractors, solar pumps and irrigation equipment will reduce the cost of farming. Lower transport and energy costs will reduce the cost of moving food from the farm to the market. Ultimately, lower production costs mean more affordable food for Kenyan families,” he said.
Buzeki argued that taxation should be used as a tool to encourage productivity rather than punish it.
“We should use TAXATION to encourage productivity, mechanisation, clean energy and investment. Lower the cost of production. Empower the farmer. Reduce the cost of food. Build a competitive Kenya,” he said, signing off with his trademark phrase, “tai ole tai / king ole king!”
The proposal comes at a time when farmers in the North Rift are grappling with high input costs, fuel prices and erratic rainfall, pushing up the cost of maize and other staples.
Buzeki, the founder of Buzeki Group of Companies with interests in logistics and dairy farming, is seen as one of the frontrunners for the Uasin Gishu seat currently held by Governor Jonathan Bii. Recent opinion polls place him among the top three contenders alongside incumbent Bii and Ambassador Julius Bitok.
