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{
    "id": 577807,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/577807/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 257,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Langat",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 384,
        "legal_name": "Benjamin Kipkirui Langat",
        "slug": "benjamin-langat"
    },
    "content": "This Bill converts what we have been actually calling “Hybrid Tax Regime” where we have been having what we call the ad valorem rates which are the percentages applied on the prices with what we call the specific rates. This is where the tax law has provided the specific figure that if it is Kshs10 it is Kshs10. This Bill proposes to do away with ad valorem rates and only remain with specific rates so that if you look at the Bill you will see if it is alcohol of this content, it gives the specific amount to be charged. I refer Members to the schedule for details. It means then that it will be very easy to administer because we are using a specific amount and not the percentages. In the percentages, you have to know the price, compute and then get the figure. With this one, if it is one litre you charge Ksh10 and that is it. It is actually very easy and it will reduce leakages. However, we may at some point be faced with the issue of inflation but the Bill seems to be trying to address that. Unfortunately, we have very many stakeholders who are saying if you introduce a rate linked to taxation, it might be too much. There are two conditions. Do we adjust the specific figures to the inflation, and what is the rate? The dispute has been what is the rate of inflation that we apply to update the specific figures? In particular, to address the challenges of environmental degradation caused by careless disposal of plastic bags, the Bill proposes to enhance Excise Duty on non-biodegradable plastic to Ksh120 per kilogramme. This is because we have a menace in this country. If you go to our estates and markets, you will find serious problems with these plastic bags. They are causing a lot of problems. We need to control them. In fact, the rates should even be higher to ensure that we move from these non-biodegradables to something which is temporary. In order to address the social problems resulting from consumption of illicit brew in this country--- This is a very serious matter. The Mover of the Motion was actually quoting Central Kenya. I want to congratulate the Members from Central Kenya. They demonstrate a lot of zeal in dealing with these illicit brews. They did it with a lot of zeal but that was a dangerous move."
}