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{
    "id": 1498208,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1498208/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 368,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Likoni, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mishi Mboko",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I stand to support this Bill. It seeks to give effect to Article 209(5) of the Constitution. My justification for supporting this Bill is based on five points. First, is on the issue of standardisation and transparency in revenue collection. This Bill seeks to introduce a standardised process for the 47 county governments in terms of imposition, variation or waiving of taxes, fees, levies and other charges. By doing so, we will ensure consistency and transparency across all the 47 counties. Clause 5 of the Bill outlines a clear procedure for introducing new taxes or fees. It states that a county needs to submit a detailed proposal to an inter-agency committee. The inter-agency committee is going to be established through this Bill. It will have representatives from national and county bodies. This means that there will be consultations before we make the final decisions in terms of taxes, fees, levies and other charges. There will be consultations to ensure that we do not jeopardise national policies in terms of economic activities. Second, is in terms of enhancing oversight through the inter-agency committee. Clause 4 states that the Bill is going to establish an inter-agency committee on county taxes and charges. As I said, the committee is going to have membership from the representatives of both national and county bodies. This committee is going to review and approve all fees and charges that are imposed by a county government to ensure that they are fair, justified and in line with national economic policies and activities. By doing so, we will avoid duplication of taxation. We will also assist Kenyans not to be burdened by taxes which are unrealistic. Third is on the issue of improved economic impact assessment. This Bill mandates the county government to do a thorough assessment in terms of economic impact of revenue collection and the processes. Clause 5(2)(e) requires county governments to provide details on estimated revenue to be collected and the economic impact on individuals. We need to know how revenue impacts individuals, businesses and the economy at the national level. We need to know how it impacts businesses and the economy nationally. This will also lead to informed decision-making and help prevent the implementation of counter-productive revenue measures. We have seen some counties put up measures for revenue collection but, in the end, the results are not favourable. So, it is like there is a component of regulation that ensures that any measures that are put in place are the correct measures that will give very productive results. My other point is on alignment with the constitutional legal framework. As you know, this country is governed by the rule of law. We have the Constitution and other related laws."
}