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{
    "id": 246302,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/246302/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 115,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kenneth",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Finance",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 167,
        "legal_name": "Peter Kenneth",
        "slug": "peter-kenneth"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to contribute to the Budget Speech. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the only way that this country can move forward is when we begin to accept the reality and truth of what has been happening vis-a-vis what was the position when this Government took over. When the NARC Government took over, the country had a negative economic growth rate. Today, we are talking of 5.8 per cent. I am surprised that the Shadow Minister for Finance who aspires to be a full Minister for Finance cannot acknowledge that growth. It does not require a rocket scientist to see what is happening. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a lot has been spoken about the fuel levy. The fact remains that the people who want to increase the transport costs are not being sincere. The fuel levy has gone up by Kshs3.20. In the Budget Speech, the Minister put a cap on the insurance structured compensation to Kshs3 million. This means that the insurance premiums should come down. He also removed the road licence because many vehicles did not have road licence stickers. We all know that most vehicles outside Nairobi did not have road licence stickers. Most of them have fake registration documents. Therefore, it was expected that if we remove the road licence and reduce the insurance premiums, we could as well look at the fuel levy. This is because all vehicles also require good roads. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to congratulate the Minister for the action he has taken on extravagance on vehicles. A lot has been written on that. I believe that if we were to cut on the extravagance, we could save Kshs1.5 billion. We must also take into recognition the fact that foreign exchange has been liberalised and the country has been able to maintain the dollar at the rate at which it should be retained. We should realise that this country is a net importer and not a net exporter. In as much as we are talking about our exports, the imports are higher. Therefore, the country benefits when the shilling is stable against the dollar. Many of our students have to go out of the country for education. Also, many people go out of the country to seek medical treatment. So, is it better when the dollar is high or low? Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we must acknowledge that there is a lot of growth that has taken place in the tourism industry. We have also factored a huge budget for road construction. This will multiply in terms of employment. These are some of the things that I am surprised that my friend, Mr. Billow, will not look at. If the tourism industry is growing at 51 per cent, it has a multiplier effect. Those who sell eggs and vegetables to tourists will also benefit. That is new production! Does the Shadow Minister for Finance want to convince me that those tourists come with packed food and, therefore, our people do not have to manufacture it? Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a lot has been said about new districts. This Government came to power on the pledge of delivery of service. I am glad you have been in the Provincial Administration and you understand it very well; that if administration is brought closer to the people, security issues will be dealt with very conclusively. In fact, just last week, we were discussing about a Motion to legitimise these districts. It was brought by a Member of the Opposition, Mr. Ojaamong."
}