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{
    "id": 1511333,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1511333/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 409,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Soy, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. David Kiplagat",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " I think the microphone is meant for persons with disabilities (PWDs), but all the same, I will proceed. Allow me to first thank the Chairman and Members of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for working tirelessly to conduct public participation and to ensure that the public’s views are reflected in their Report. It is very important that as we develop the country, we let economic aspects of the economy to grow. One of the aspects I want to focus on is the construction industry, especially housing. Housing is an important pillar to the Kenya Kwanza Government and the broad-based Government. It is also one of the pillars of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It is important that we offer affordable houses to our people. Clause 25(g) proposes to increase the cost of ceramic tiles by imposing excise duty of 35 per cent or Ksh300 per kilogramme, whichever is higher. That negates provision of affordable houses. Let me give an illustration. Through our oversight of NG-CDF, we have been trying to improve the learning environment of our children. One box of ceramic tiles, measuring 30 centimetres by 30 centimetres, usually costs an average of Ksh1,000. Assuming the cost of production is Ksh1,000, it follows that if you impose 35 per cent duty the cost will increase by Ksh350. But if you impose a higher sentence of Ksh300, the cost of one box weighing 15 kilogrammes will increase to Ksh4,500. Add import duty of 25 per cent, VAT of 16 per cent, which is calculated after imposing excise duty, and the cost of one box will be around Ksh7,500. So, by introducing the words ‘or Ksh300,’ you will have increased the cost of one box of tiles by a whopping 750"
}