HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 180322,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/180322/?format=api",
"text_counter": 201,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Michuki",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources",
"speaker": {
"id": 183,
"legal_name": "John Njoroge Michuki",
"slug": "john-michuki"
},
"content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in addition, the free secondary education programme was commenced this year. This made it possible for the beneficiaries of free primary education to acquire a secondary school education. Other important milestones with social services supervision include the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) which is lighting up the rural areas and expanding opportunities for small-scale businesses and investments. Further, we are implementing various clean water supply programmes, especially to rural households and in particular, our people in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) as well as the rehabilitation of our roads in all parts of the country. We, nonetheless, do recognise the fact that despite the progress made that far, relatively high incidences of poverty, disparity in regional development and unemployment, especially among the youth, remain serious problems. It was, therefore, clear to the Government that to achieve a lasting reduction in poverty, more effort was required of us to accelerate the growth of our economy to 10 per cent per annum and sustain it at that level thereafter, in line with our shared Vision 2030. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Budget is intended to address these challenges within the framework of Vision 2030. In particular and guided by the first Medium-Term Plan for Vision 2030, the 2008 Budget focuses on amongst others:- One, restoring the economy to a higher broad-based long-term growth by among others, maintaining macro-economic stability, scaling up investments in infrastructure and deepening structural reforms to improve productivity in our economy. Two, encouraging investments in activities that will expand economic opportunities and create jobs for our youth. Three, implementing targeted interventions to reduce poverty and inequality. Four, investing more in health and education to further deepen human capital development. The tax measures proposed in the Finance Bill, 2008 are, therefore, designed to achieve sound economic goals, which we have set ourselves as a nation. To that end, this Finance Bill contains various proposals relating to Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Income Tax and Miscellaneous Fees and Charges, which are intended to restore higher economic growth, expand economic opportunities and ensure equity in our society. Hon. Members will have time to debate them. Therefore, I will highlight only a few. 3350 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES November 11, 2008 Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, our national carrier, Kenya Airways, and other local airlines, have continued to face stiff competition within the region and internationally. In line with the best international practice, and in recognition of the increased cost of travel, I propose to zero-rate international air travel to make our national carrier competitive. Previously, international air travel has been exempted, but our airline was not able to claim input tax, as is the practice elsewhere. In order to promote our youths in their endeavour to participate in economic development, I propose to zero-rate VAT on motorcycles with engine capacities of up to 250cc. That mode of transport, in addition to making it possible for our boda boda operators to graduate to faster and more comfortable means of travel, has the potential for creating wealth and employment opportunities for many of our youths in the rural areas, particularly in western Kenya, where the"
}