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{
    "id": 1262186,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1262186/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 271,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Now, we find ourselves faced with a new challenge couched in the Finance Bill of 2023. Its impact will worsen the already delicate situation particularly for us creative, who are an integral part of the startup sector. The imposition of disproportionately high taxes on this group is cause for concern. It is essential to recognise that creatives contribute significantly to our society and we deserve an enabling environment to flourish. Yet, the lack of affair and balanced tax formulae raises questions. How can we justify taxing a creative earning Kshs15,000 at the same percentage as another creative earning Kshs200,000? How can an individual earning a steady income of up to Kshs25,000 be exempt from paying tax whilst the majority of us creatives face uncertainty with our income with no guaranteed payment or set minimum wage? We are still subject to taxes. This departure from our historically progressive tax system is puzzling. When Kenya has always strived for fairness and equity, why should this proportional method be applied selectively? In order to nature our creative spirit as the youth, we must be provided necessary space to develop our crafts. This House ought to enable and facilitate entrepreneurship. Barriers should not stifle potential. Instead, we must become advocates for aspirations. Mr. Speaker, Sir, let us reflect on the vital role that youth play in shaping our future in Kenya. By embracing their talent and offering an environment through the Start- Up Bill, we will forge a path to shared prosperity. The Bill confers on the Cabinet Secretary, without prejudice, the power to make regulations on the exemption of registration fees, the protection of intellectual property rights, employee benefits and compensation, the relationship between founders and employees plus the reporting and accountability of startups. This will go a long way in giving our entrepreneurs the impetus they need as they establish themselves. This Bill further amends the science and technology Act of 2013 to provide for financial support of tech innovations, representation of startups in the national research fund and allocation of money to provide financial support. That is to take innovations. The Bill also goes further to set out a criterion for admission into incubation programmes, registration of startups and obligations of startups. The Bill confers the responsibility of registration and data base maintenance on Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA). The agency is a State cooperation established under the Science Technology and Innovation Act, 2013. It is responsible for coordination, promotion and regulation of the national innovation system. The agency works with stakeholders to promote innovation and development out of research and ideas. This means supporting the identification, recording and the protection of innovative ideas---"
}