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{
    "id": 516073,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/516073/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 368,
    "type": "other",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "sector, are not competitive because there are hidden costs in form of money paid through harambees. Unfortunately, any money paid as harambee is not taxed. I would have wished that this Bill considers that where there is a genuine reason to contribute by a company or an individual or even an MP, that amount that has been genuinely given is deducted from the tax payable. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, there is also an element of ethics in all these. As Africans, we used to be proud that if you are able to manage your own affairs, you do not go begging. However, because of harambees, that pride has been eroded because in whatever situation you are, because of the demand of harambees, you have to lower yourself and beg. Unfortunately, this has had a very negative effect on our country. Even visitors who come – we are a good tourist country and others come for business – end up being begged. If you see any foreigner, perhaps, he is able to fund your harambee project at home. Even that junior person in a hotel serving you is carrying a proforma somewhere. What is the perception of our visitors on who we really are? In a way, we have been perceived to be a nation of beggars. There was a researcher from Malaysia who did a research on the politics of Kenya. His conclusion was that a Member of Parliament in Kenya is not a Member of Parliament as seen in other jurisdictions but a slave of his people. That a Member of Parliament in Kenya must contribute even if he does not have. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we now have devolution. As we are all aware, devolution has brought a positive revolution in this country. It is going to change the lives of the people. However, if fundraising is not regulated, all those resources that we are going to give to the counties are going to end up in the wrong hands. Our Governors, MCAs and the County Executive officers are under a lot of pressure. The Constitution requires that there must be public participation in whatever they do, whether it is planning or allocation of resources. But you cannot hold a function today and call people whether they are 500 or 1000 and they listen to you and go away empty handed. Many county governments allocate a lot of resources for these forums. Sometimes, they are referred to as launching forums where a lot of resources are spent while organizing them and at the end of the day, money is dished out. Many of the projects are not beneficial to the people but are just meant to please them. This mentality was not there but it is developing in the counties, so that if you have to address the public as a politician or a public officer, you will not be listened to unless there is some handout in form of money. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, today, we are being forced to do harambees. It is another form of taxation which does not go through Parliament. As Senate we are told not to discuss money Bills whereas Money Bills are being discussed at the counties and figures that we are supposed to contribute are set. A roll call is prepared even in funerals where the Governor and the Senator or their representatives are expected to appear. They only accuse you of not attending the function if your contribution has not been seen. It will be good to regulate this sector. I agree that fundraisings are still necessary because of needy situations, but it is important that they are regulated in a manner that we do not kill them but let them die naturally because of their undesirability judging from the direction that it is taking. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}