Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 365589,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/365589/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 227,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon Members, biogas energy is gaining prominence as an alternative source of renewable energy for cooking and electricity generation in the rural areas. In addition, the residue arising from this process is used as fertilizer. In order to encourage usage of this renewable energy I propose for exemption plastic bag bio-gas digesters. Hon Members, to encourage growth of our industries as a key driver of higher economic growth and development, I propose to increase Import Duty on welding electrodes from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, millstones and grindstones from 0 per cent to 25 per cent and plastic tubes for packing of toothpaste, cosmetics and similar products from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. I expect this measure will cushion the local manufacturers from cheap imports. Hon Member, I have noted the challenges faced by employers regarding insurance premiums paid on behalf of employees for Group Life and Group Personal Accident policy covers. I propose to exempt premiums for such covers where they do not confer a benefit to the employees. Hon Members, Persons with Disabilities have this year concluded their first phase of the three year tax exemption status. I propose to extend the exemption period to five years. Hon Members, I propose to amend the Income Tax Act so as to impose Withholding Tax on winnings from gaming and betting. This measure should make the winners to equally contribute towards the Exchequer. Hon Members, the Government has initiated a review of the Capital Gains Tax under the Income Tax Act with a view to formulating modalities for its effective enforcement. This will allow wealthier members of our society to also make a token contribution towards our national development agenda. Hon Members, I propose to table a number of legislative amendments in the revenue statutes in order to align them with the Constitution. This will ensure that the Excise, VAT and Income Tax legislations are in harmony with the Constitution. I also intend to put in place an enabling tax, legal and regulatory framework to streamline the entire Income Tax exemption management process in line with the Constitution. Hon Members, unlike under the other tax statutes, KRA is currently not compounding tax offences under the Income Tax Act. I propose to improve the compounding framework for Income Tax which should encourage taxpayers with tax offences to engage KRA and sort out their tax cases outside the courts. Hon. Members, Sir, I propose to amend the Income Tax Act so as to empower the Commissioner to access books of accounts and where tax evasion is proved in court, collect Corporate Tax from officers of corporate bodies where they are convicted of tax fraud. These rare but bold measures are intended to deter tax cheats and enhance tax compliance. Some importers have turned the Port into a storage area thus contributing to congestion of cargo. In order to address this undesirable practice, I propose to amend the customs law to introduce customs warehouse rent for entered goods which remain at the port of discharge for a period exceeding 21 days from the date of commencement of discharge of the carrier."
}