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{
    "id": 1521864,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1521864/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 123,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kibwana",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 277,
        "legal_name": "Kibwana Kivutha",
        "slug": "kibwana-kivutha"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I rise pursuant to Standing Order 53(1) to seek a Statement from the Standing Committee on Finance and Budget, regarding the alleged theft of 9,686,358 excise duty stamps from the custody of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this alarming incident has put the spotlight on issues like consumer safety, public health risk, tax evasion, and market integrity, raising urgent concerns about the proliferation of counterfeit goods. It should be noted that counterfeit excise duty stamps allow illicit trade to flourish, affecting not only the economy, but also the well-being of Kenyans. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this House will appreciate that the alleged theft revenue stamps at KRA is not an isolated case. In September of 2024, hundreds of title deeds were stolen from the Government Printer by unknown persons. As we speak, no further information has been provided regarding the outcome of the investigations and the mitigation put in place to avoid recurrence or whether investigations were carried out at all. Most unfortunate, no officer has taken responsibility for the heist. In the Statement, the Committee should- (1) Investigate and report to the Senate the possible existence of tax evasion ring that may have infiltrated the KRA systems, putting into jeopardy the government's tax collection measures. (2) Outline any measures by KRA to mitigate the infiltrations of its system that is prone to sabotage, resulting in flooding the Kenyan market with counterfeit dangerous goods that have adverse health risks to Kenya. (3) Furnish the Statement with a report regarding the safety of goods sold in the market, any firewalls erected by the KRA against tax cheats, and most importantly, The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}