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{
    "id": 1442247,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1442247/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 345,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kimilili, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Didmus Barasa",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "recommend amending these proposals. I am also aware that, as a Member of Parliament for Kimilili Constituency, I have the power to amend this Bill, including the title of the Bill and any clause I feel we should change. This Bill read together with the Report, and of course, the proposed amendments and my intelligence will make it better. I am convinced that we are going to protect local manufacturers. Kenya has been lagging behind by even importing toothpicks, something that is made with very low technology. We import diapers, something that even Hon. Junet Mohamed can set up a diaper manufacturing firm in Migori. We are simply saying the Bill gives the rich people of this country and the very many associations that can access funding from banks in this country an opportunity to become entrepreneurs so that they can set up factories that will produce things that have been zero-rated and will have a competitive edge over those manufacturers who have been importing things in this country. We have had discussions with ladies of this country, and I have had discussions with girls and women from my constituency. They raised concerns about the hygiene of diapers imported from China. On this basis, we persuaded the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to persuade his Committee to consider imposing an Eco levy on sanitary towels imported to this country while zero-rating the locally manufactured ones. With the passage of this Bill, I am convinced and energised to find money and set up a factory in Kimilili that will produce sanitary towels, diapers, toothpicks, and tyres. Hon. Speaker, I have listened to Members from the Minority Party side vehemently oppose this Bill. They have said it proposes an increase in taxes for tyres of wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, and motor vehicles that are used locally by many people. I do not blame them. Reading is not easy. This Report of the Finance Bill that the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and his team produced is voluminous. I do not blame them. For you to read it, you must be committed. I challenge them to read it. Even if the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning has proposed changes that include zero-rating tyres, eggs, and locally assembled motorcycles, we, as a House, have all the powers to propose similar proposals. If the Committee does not put forth these proposals during the Committee of the whole House, we all have the power to move ahead and come up with those amendments."
}