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{
    "id": 577853,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/577853/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 303,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) (Dr.) R. K. Nyamai",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1979,
        "legal_name": "Rachael Kaki Nyamai",
        "slug": "rachael-kaki-nyamai"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this Bill. At the outset, I would like to say that it is a fact that excise duty is an important component of our self-governance. This Bill brings harmonisation to various forms of taxation that are happening in this country. I would also like to point out that by bringing this Bill at this time, it is important because we are able to harmonise with other East African Community (EAC) countries where new laws have already been established. So, this Bill is timely. It has come at a time where we can debate on it and make useful contributions that can make it better than it is. I would like to point out that this Bill interests me for various reasons. It brings about some controls whereby it provides that excisable goods stored in a factory or by a licensed manufacturer shall be subjected to the control of the Commissioner. It also provides that such goods may only be removed if taxes due are paid or with the permission of the Commissioner. So, it brings some form of control that is necessary so that the country does not lose revenue. This Bill which enhances resource generation for this country is also important because it brings some control to goods that may be unhealthy for this country. I would like to go to the part where it focusses on handling some of the products which may be increasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. This country today is at a rate that it has never been before when it comes to non-communicable diseases. In order to curb the increase of these diseases, the Bill proposes to retain excise duty for sugar sweetened beverages, soft drinks and juices. Some of the soft drinks which are sweetened beverages are highly not recommended in most of the developed countries but they find their way here. So, the fact that it has retained and ensured that they continue to be taxed more is positive. It is important for this House to be aware of the fact that the biggest burden to this country now is the non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, among other diseases. So, focussing on these kinds of drinks is important. However, for these controls to be done properly, it is important for them to be done in consultation with institutions that have an understanding of the health effects. It is not only the financial department that is involved but also consultation with institutions that have capacity to identify the beverages that might be harmful. The taxation of tobacco is a positive part of this Bill. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates today, tobacco accounts for more than 60,000 deaths. I am sure that it is much more especially for a country like this where most people will end up losing lives and we are not sure of the cause of death. This Bill proposes an increase on excise duty rates on alcoholic beverages in order to reflect the current effective rates. This is positive. I consider and I know most of us consider alcohol as a luxury. It is a positive gesture for it to be taxed more. Alcohol affects productivity of a nation especially when it is uncontrolled. As other Members have said, it is a positive gesture that we saw recently Members of Parliament going out there and handling the alcohol menace especially the second generation alcohol. From the previous tax regimes, majority of excisable goods had two specific rates. They were ad hoc in nature. So, this Bill brings a regime which brings some sanity than it was before. It proposes to have one rate which is specific with only few items which are not--- It brings sanity by ensuring that there is a specific rate of taxation. We note that the current taxation regime does not take into consideration pollution that is emitted by different categories of motor vehicles. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}