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{
    "id": 387594,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/387594/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 607,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Langat",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 384,
        "legal_name": "Benjamin Kipkirui Langat",
        "slug": "benjamin-langat"
    },
    "content": "Number two is that there is the issue of drugs. The Bill as it was, was not exempting medicaments and I think this is what was causing a lot of problems. We sat down with my Committee and consulted the other stakeholders, including the Treasury, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and others, and agreed that we need to exempt medicines and the list is here. It is a very long list. I know that Dr. Nyikal will be bringing an additional list which I will respond to at that stage; this is basically to exempt medicaments which are listed here. Hon. Temporary Deputy Chairlady, there is also the issue of food which brought a lot of issues; this is why we are really exempting maize flour, milk, bread and I also want to say to our ladies that there was a serious push from them that we also exempt sanitary towels and we listened to them. In fact, I heard some of the lady hon. Members in this House. One of them said that ladies sanitary towels are more important than food. The way it was put was very moving and we agreed, as a Committee, that really our ladies should not be complaining. Let us exempt sanitary towels. Hon. Temporary Deputy Chairlady, we also said food should be exempted. Some of the people who came from outside there brought ugali to the gate while demonstrating. For that reason, we thought maybe we should really also exempt ugali and maize flour, so that we take care of their interests. We also heard presentations from air operators and we agreed that we should exempt the hiring, leasing and chartering of aircraft. We have a long list of exemptions; I know hon. Wanga will accept to withdraw hers because I have already taken care of it. I cannot see Nyokabi but I am sure she will also agree with me. Hon. Members, in the spirit of our consultations and bringing everybody on board, we agreed we really exempt some of the items which were bringing controversies to this Bill. I want to tell Members that this is really what they have been complaining about. We have heard you and have accepted your concerns. Therefore, we are bringing these amendments to cushion Kenyans against any negative impact which the Bill, as it was, would have had. I really want to say this is good news to my colleagues on the other side, hon. Chris and hon. TJ. They were among those who said during the Second Reading that we should withdraw the Bill. I think on this one now hon. TJ is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that this Bill now needs to be taken forward; all your concerns have been taken care of. I can see hon. A.B. Duale wanting to second me."
}