Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1520486,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1520486/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 80,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "South Mugirango, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Silvanus Osoro",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Bill between county assemblies and the National Assembly. It seeks to delete the words, ‘‘Except the Finance Bill’’ in Section 129(2)(a) of the Act to provide as follows: ‘That following approval by the County Executive Committee, the CEC Member for Finance shall submit to the county assembly the budget estimates, supporting documents and any other Bill that requires to implement the budget, except the Finance Bill, by 30th April in that year.’’ The key word in this particular amendment will be, ‘‘Except the Finance Bill.’’ That is what this particular Bill seeks to include in that particular clause. Additionally, Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to introduce a new Section 131A to provide for similar procedures for submissions and considering the passing of the Finance Bill in the county assembly as that of the National Assembly. Therefore, the new Section 131A will provide as follows because it is a new one: ‘‘Submission, Consideration and Passing of the County Finance Bill 131A: County Executive Committee Member for Finance shall submit to the County Assembly on or before 30th April the County Finance Bill setting out the revenue raising measures of the county government.’’ There are clear timelines here, Hon. Speaker, that did not exist in the previous one. 1. Following submission of the County Finance Bill by the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, the relevant committee of the county assembly shall introduce the Bill in the county assembly. 2. The county assembly shall consider and pass the County Finance Bill with or without amendments in time for it to be presented for assent by 30th June each year.’’ This has not been there, and that, seeks to harmonise. 3. Any recommendation made by the relevant committee of the county assembly or resolution passed by the county assembly on revenue matters shall ensure that the total amount of revenue raised is consistent with the approved fiscal framework.’’ The words here are: (a) consistent with the approved fiscal framework. (b) Takes into account the principles of equity, certainty and ease of collection. (c) Consider the impact of the proposed changes on the composition of the tax revenue with reference to direct and indirect taxes. (d) Consider domestic, regional, and international tax trends. (e) Consider the impact on development and investment, employment and economic growth. (f) It will take into account the taxation, tariff arrangements, and other obligations that Kenya has ratified, including under the East African Community Treaty. The recommendation of the County Executive Committee Member for Finance shall be included in the report and tabled in the county assembly. There have been disparities due to the lack of a harmonised system between the County Executive Committee Members (CECs) and the county assembly. There was utmost autonomy by the County Executive Committees, which is detrimental to the work of the county assemblies. Clause 4 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 133 to align the practice in the county assembly to that of the National Assembly in the consideration of the Finance Bill. This must be clear. The only Finance Bill that Kenyans are aware of is the Finance Bill by the National Assembly. They are not aware that every county assembly also has their own finance bill. This Bill seeks to realign this so that we have a replica of the Finance Bill in the county assemblies. Section 133 provides that not later than 90 days after passing the Appropriation Bill, the county assembly shall consider and approve the Finance Bill with or without amendments. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}