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{
    "id": 1508320,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1508320/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 120,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dagoretti North, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Beatrice Elachi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "participation done by KRA to create awareness. We are introducing new laws, and KRA must go out there to explain to Kenyans how they can comply with these laws. If we do this, we will achieve better compliance. But now, as a salaried person who is also experiencing these challenges, I know that three good Bills are coming to help resolve some of these issues. So, for me, as a Kenyan, let us embrace the spirit of doing what is right; just pay your tax and do not evade it. This is why we find ourselves in too many disputes. The KRA should also understand that it is the Kenyan taxpayer who provides the revenue. How you handle that person is very critical. Sometimes, when you meet KRA officers in the market, they can be burnt in the market for nothing because they approach people as if they are thieves. They forget that those are Kenyans in the market every day, and that is where they collect their revenue. However, when you come and seize their goods or do all manner of things, as I have seen at 4:00 a.m. in markets like Ukulima and Kawangware, where women and other traders are running around trying to avoid KRA officers, it becomes a serious issue. When you ask what the real problem is, they say KRA officials are here to collect taxes yet Nairobi City Council officers have also collected tax. They do not understand why the double taxation. These are some of the issues this Bill will solve for the women who are the majority traders in markets. Finally, I have realised that Government officials are not firm when communicating what the Government is doing. They should put up simple posters so that market traders can read and understand what is required of them. It can be written in English or Kiswahili. I know we will hold a Kamukunji to discuss issues. All that is required is information sharing and proper communication. I want to tell those in Government that we always conduct public participation on a Bill. Sometimes, I wonder where KRA officials are because we are in tough economic times. I want to thank the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for touring the country to explain to the people the different amendments in the Bill so they can understand it. Tax is meant for development and not corruption. It is not meant to go into people’s pockets but to offer better services to Kenyans. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I support."
}