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{
    "id": 147163,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/147163/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 113,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, with the current economic challenges, the need to protect the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable groups in our society has become even more urgent. While some existing programmes have worked well and their coverage is limited. In particular, the urban poor have not been reached. It is for this reason that the Government is in the process of developing a national social protection policy aimed at targeting deserving members in our society. In this regard, the Government has formed a taskforce to spearhead the development of a well-targeted food subsidy scheme to ensure food security and improve the welfare of the vulnerable groups. To support this programme and to ensure its roll out in the cause o f the year, I have earmarked Kshs1 billion out of the Kshs2 billion set aside for drought relief in the Budget. This social protection programme will supplement initiatives that I have outlined under the economic stimulus package which are aimed at expanding economic opportunities in both rural and urban areas for employment creation, social stability and equitable development. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we, as a society, must care for those amongst us who are either elderly, physically or mentally challenged, recognising that disability is not inability. In this Budget, I have allocated Kshs200 million as interest free revolving fund towards financing business ventures by our brothers and sisters who are physically challenged. Through this Budget, I am going a step further to gazette regulations allowing disabled persons, employed or self employed, tax free income of up to Kshs150,000 and further allow for additional deduction to their taxable incomes of up to Kshs50,000 to cushion them against expenses on drugs, purchase of disability related devices, home care services and treatments."
}