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{
    "id": 427239,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/427239/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 446,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Lay",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1022,
        "legal_name": "Joyce Wanjalah Lay",
        "slug": "joyce-wanjalah-lay"
    },
    "content": "Thank you Temporary Deputy Speaker for the opportunity. I would like to thank hon. Mbadi for recognizing the need to cushion the low income earners by increasing the list of goods and services such as supply of electricity through the Rural Electrification Authority (REA). It is high time we realized that electrification is not a cost to the Government, but a source of revenue. When we electrify the rural areas, we stand to develop through creation of industries which will create jobs to our people in the rural areas. Therefore, being exempt from the VAT charged on the supply of electricity, the REA will eventually enhance electrification of the rural areas. I also support the Bill because it calls for the inclusion of importation or supply of mosquito nets in the First Schedule. We know that we still have areas where malaria is prevalent in this country. According to statistics by KEMRI, 25 million Kenyans are at risk of malaria and it accounts for 30 to 50 per cent of all outpatient attendance and 20 per cent of all admissions in health facilities. With exemption of VAT with regard to supply and importation of mosquito nets, we would be helping in the fight against malaria by easing access to mosquito nets at cheaper cost. This will also eventually reduce the pressure of patients in the few health facilities that we have in the country. In addition, I support the amendment of Section 33 of the principal Act to punish fraudulent claims by five times what one claimed, as opposed to two times. This will facilitate the administration of the Act and at the same time discourage fraudulent claims which have always been a threat to revenue submitted to the taxman. I know that the Jubilee Coalition has promised to grow the economy in double digits but surely by raising VAT on everything, that will not be a solution. I think a solution lies in creating more employment by making sure that we go in manufacturing and value addition so that we add value to all the produce that we have in this country. That way, we will create more revenue in the country instead of raising VAT on everything else. I urge this house to know that every rule and law that we pass here affects everybody else. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, it affects everybody else and we should not be selfish because it is either the CORD Coalition or the Jubilee Coalition side. We should know that this is the right of Kenyans and we should pass laws that affect Kenyans on a more positive way. I wish to thank hon. Ng’ongo for bringing these amendments. I support. ."
}