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"id": 1400505,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1400505/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
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"speaker": {
"id": 13217,
"legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
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"content": "For example, in northern Nandi, they wanted to be part of Hon. Oparanya's recommendation on sugar, to be part of Kakamega, the northern Nandi, and part of of Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia. On the southern part of Nandi, they want to be part of the central region of Nandi, Kericho, and Kisumu. Interestingly, we are discussing how to generate own source revenue, not only in rating. However, we are 18 kilometres to the next factory in South Nandi and another factory in Kakamega County. For example, we have Butali Sugar Factory or Kabras Sugar Factory. On the other side, it is Kibos, Muhoroni, Miwani, and Chemilil. So, they were arguing and the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries will resolve that as a House. I want to assure farmers because our work is to protect their interests. They want to see value when they pay sugarcane and tea cess We are lucky as Nandi County because we have cess. If you go to Makueni County, I do not know whether the county collects cess from mung beans farmers. I do not know whether fish attracts some cess for counties around the lake region, but I highly doubt that. You and I come from that region. There is cess, but we must see the value in terms of maintenance of roads. In valuation and powers of valuers, we need to organize. This is because valuers are very important. However, we do not want them to inflate the issue of valuation so that it becomes easy. On the issue of discounts, when governors do waivers, they must be specific on how much discount they are giving out. When you buy something, you are given a 10 per cent discount. However, they give 100 per cent waivers, but give a discount of 50 per cent. So, how will they enhance and generate own source revenue base? Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to say three things in quick succession so that we can finish on this Bill and move forward. Clause 7 states that- “A County government may levy rates on land and buildings in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any county legislation.” This has been provided under the provision of the Constitution on power to do taxation by county government. There is nothing new here because we levy rates on land or buildings. However, they should not become unpredictable because it will affect the ease of doing business. If you are paying a land rate, for example, at Kshs1000 per acre, counties are free and they might amend in the next financial year because of the appetite to raise own source revenue. They might decide to do Kshs10,000 which will chase away the investors. Madam Temporary Speaker, at least, you are more exposed than a number of us. In some countries, the rich do not pay taxes. I know many people are uncomfortable. The reason they do not pay taxes is to let them do investments, hire more people, and then they go for your Pay as you Earn (PAYE). That is how they recoup. I know people like Senior Counsel, Sen. Dan Maanzo, might not agree with me, but when you travel to serious established economies, the rich do not pay taxes. They are encouraged and given incentives to invest more. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}