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{
    "id": 1554381,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1554381/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 235,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kesses, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Julius Rutto",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to quickly add my voice to this amendment Bill. I support the amendment on the Excise Duty charged on imported transformers. Whereas the purpose of imposing Excise Duty on imported products is to enable domestic production, create employment and encourage consumption of local products, our situation is very critical because we have a challenge with the Excisable Goods Management System (EGMS) codes that have been provided by the Common External Tariff – that is EGMS Code No.8504. Whereas this amendment intends to reduce the importation of fully finished transformers, it challenges the KRA because there is no EGMS code supporting the assembly of imported parts in the Republic of Kenya. That is why we are here today. I want to speak about the country's energy and electricity connectivity demand. In my constituency, Kesses, where I was given an opportunity to lead, we had a 29 per cent household connectivity rate. Despite deliberate efforts to expand access, we continue to face challenges across the region and the country. In this regard, this amendment will help reduce the cost of connecting people to electricity. I wish to give a classic example of the ongoing FDB4 connectivity initiative undertaken by KPLC, which is a donor-funded programme. It had reached a stalemate due to a Court case. However, once the case was resolved and the contractors resumed their work, it became evident that the required materials must be imported from overseas. In this case, the cost of Excise Duty on the imported materials has become an impediment to the implementation of the project. This has taken time, causing a delay that denies Kenyans the opportunity to access electricity. Therefore, this amendment will help reduce the cost of imported materials for these contractors, thereby facilitating the expedition of projects. Lastly, we are facing a big artificial challenge caused by the vandalism of transformers. The relevant Committee should review the existing legislation to enhance the penalties for vandalism so that the culprits, including staff perceived to be colluding with criminals, can be appropriately punished. This is an economic crime that needs to be punished. As we work to create employment opportunities and promote local manufacturing, we also need to protect infrastructure by introducing severe penalties to deter vandalism and ensure that our limited national resources are safeguarded. We must also promote local assembly in Kenya. I realise that demand is not only in Kenya. It extends to other East African countries that are showing interest in local assembly within the region. If Kenya moves swiftly, we will create employment opportunities for our youths. With those remarks, I support the Amendment Bill."
}