Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1444073,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1444073/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 184,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Okenyuri",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "you can carry, but also providing a service to the public and making money out of it. Mostly we see that in form of entertainment. This is a timely Bill. I need support from this House, so that we can provide a conducive environment for our young people, women and men who want to better their livelihoods by putting something in their pockets, while at the same time assist the Government in generating revenue that will go a large mile in financing the activities we have in place. Mr. Speaker, Sir, if you look at how other countries generally handle the issue of informal trading, it is completely different. It is because they had an opportunity to make laws way earlier. When somebody wants to set up a business, they already know what is required. Even those who put up stalls to provide an avenue for those who want to engage in informal trading design them in a manner that follows what the law prescribes. However, it is different in our case. I would like to place emphasis on counties, which are quick to tax people who sell on the roadsides. For example, women selling vegetables or men selling groundnuts. You cannot tax people when you do not provide a conducive environment for them to thrive in businesses. It is good for county governments to provide designated areas, for example, men selling groundnuts, so that they sell their products in a comfortable way, with a clean environment and security. That way, they will not even feel the pinch when contributing to the economy through taxes. When you tax people and they cannot see value for their money, you are likely to face resistance when you introduce these regulations. It is my hope that the 47 county governments will co-operate. There was already goodwill because the Chairperson of the Council of Governors (CoG) Committee on Trade, that is Hon. Otuoma, the Governor of Busia County, was among those who brought their views when we were collecting them from different stakeholders. That was a show of political goodwill. Enforcement is one of the issues where we are likely to witness challenges. This is because in other towns, strategic planning was done in the 1960s’ and 1970s’, which does not align with the recent development we have currently. This legislative proposal is very timely. It will accommodate people from all walks of life who may want to do any informal trading and make money rather than engage in other activities that we are discouraging the general public, especially the young people, from engaging in. As a young person, I know how difficult it is to go to school and acquire academic qualifications, but lack something to put in your pocket. Street vending is not just about those who walk around bus stations selling whatever items they have. It also accommodates those who may have any other kinds of informal trading. That is why this legislative proposal seeks to recognise them. There are some activities currently being carried out and not formally recognised in our systems. The moment a business is recognised, you are equally able to benefit from the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations"
}