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{
    "id": 1442166,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1442166/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 264,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ugunja, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Opiyo Wandayi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, obviously, with all the tremendous possible respect, that was not a point of order. The Chair can advance that argument when he gets time to reply. Let me proceed this way. Kenyans are already overtaxed. If you look at Kenya vis-à-vis the rest of the world, you would be forgiven to conclude that Kenyans are some of the most taxed human beings on earth. Therefore, any responsible Government would be looking at ways of lessening the tax burden on Kenyans, and not increasing it as this Bill attempts to do. Despite the recommendations contained in the Committee’s Report, which look very flowery, we have always been reminded that the devil is in the details. I am aware, even though this is not part of the Finance Bill; that, there are plans to increase the Road Maintenance Levy. Of course, the amendment will come separately. The moment you increase the Road Maintenance Levy by even a shilling – let alone the nine shillings being proposed – the ripple effect is enormous in all sectors of the economy. The loser is the common Kenyan taxpayer. Therefore, this is a case of giving with one hand and taking back with the other hand. It is not helping the situation. This economy has become too hostile for foreign investors and, indeed, for local investors. We have documented cases of manufacturers who have shifted from Kenya to neighbouring countries as a result of the unbearable tax burden that keeps shifting. You cannot be sure because it is so unpredictable that no sensible investor can put their money in this country. To make matters worse, we are witnessing what could be compared to the state capture that happened during President Jacob Zuma’s regime in South Africa. I will explain shortly. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}