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{
    "id": 1511367,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1511367/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 443,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Funyula, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "pedestals, baths, bidets, water closet pans, flushing systems, urinal, similar sanitary facilities, imported float glass, imported ceramic materials and so on, was going to tremendously, and strenuously, increase the cost of building houses. When a Member of Parliament talks about something, you should trust and believe. Do not take us on a red herring or assuage us. Be truthful and let us pass the amendment to reduce those tariffs. Probably, as Hon. DK has proposed, delete it completely until we finish this process of affordable housing, then you can reintroduce it. The issue of coal has been unending debate. We know where the interest is. We know that some big men in this country have immense interest in the cement industry. Simply introduce higher rates so that you continuously dominate. As we always say, whenever you impose taxes, please do so for the benefit of the people of Kenya. The Leader of the Majority Party said that he only knows the content of tea by the amount of sugar and milk in it. The alcohol content in a typical beer in this country is between 3.5 to 4.5 per cent. It is only the crazy ones that have got 6 per cent and above and therefore, imposing taxes based on the alcohol content is a welcome move. I have always had this belief. Impose high “sin tax” until people stop drinking and smoking, so that they can now compete taking tea with their ladies at home while they suffer. For us, the people of Funyula and Busia, what we take in plenty does not pass through the normal system; and even if the alcohol content is high, we do not care how much taxes they impose on them. That should be a matter elsewhere. On the issue of railway levy, I hope and trust we are going to reduce it as the Committee has proposed. I call upon the Executive, be it at national or county level, to ensure that whatever money Kenyans contribute through taxes, let their money make money for them. It should not end up in the pockets of a few people. With those few remarks, I support the Bill. Thank you."
}