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"id": 482180,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Sunjeev",
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"legal_name": "Sunjeev Kour Birdi",
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"content": "Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would also like to add that as much as we say that Kenya has a high rate of taxation. We tax our businesses up to 44.2 percent of the income that is earned and the profit of the income that is earned, whereas Uganda charges 36per cent and Rwanda charges 29.9 percent. What does that tell us? That tells us that in one way, we are trying to attract investors to come and invest in our country. We are also, at the same time, trying to punish them by high taxations. So, perhaps this, in the future, means that we might be in a situation where the taxes will be lower. I would also like to add that the high level of corruption is one contributing factor in high taxation. That is because if we put a check on the corruption that takes place in our country, I believe we will be able to earn more revenue. As we earn more revenue, we will be able to reduce the taxes. This is my opinion. I hope one day it will be a reality. I would also like to urge that we also, as citizens, believe that if services are provided to our citizens, then it is alright to be taxed at such a rate. Further, I would also like to comment on the penalty that is being charged to defaulters. For those defaulters whose charges not calculated properly; that is, the incorrect collections--- I also applaud the fact that we will be actually going after those businesses which evade tax. Kenya is at a very strategic position, being a country that is not land-locked. It is a very highly advantageous position to the whole of East Africa. This is something that we have to take very seriously in so far as all treaties are signed. I would also like to say that we, at this juncture, are trying to make taxation internet-savvy. But in many instances, when businesses and citizens try to submit their taxes via the internet, the system is not able to support the submissions. I think that is an area which is very grey and needs to be looked into. Lastly, I would like to quote from the Bible where Jesus said: “Give unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar.” I would like to, once again, support this Bill but, I would like the Committee to look the amendment of having our athletes as exempted persons for taxation. With those few remarks, I beg to support and thank you."
}