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{
    "id": 736543,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/736543/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 176,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Emanikor",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1092,
        "legal_name": "Joyce Akai Emanikor",
        "slug": "joyce-akai-emanikor"
    },
    "content": "These are people who have been there before - We know them. So, it is not a new team that is coming in. I want to caution: If it is new, you better tell us! We know the damage that alcohol has caused in the community. I am happy that this Bill proposes to increase the price of alcohol. I am hoping that it is going to alleviate the problems that are brought about by alcoholism, by addressing the issue of affordability. In terms of betting, lotteries and gaming, the current rates are 7.5 per cent for betting, 12 per cent for gaming and 5 per cent for lotteries. This is extremely low considering the kill that the companies make. I consider it as an act of plundering poor vulnerable Kenyans. We know many Kenyans have no ways of making money and now they are losing all the little money they get. So, the move to increase taxes on betting, lotteries and gambling will help us regulate this sector. It will help avert negative social effects. We know that it is counter-productive for the youth. As one of the speakers said, many youth nowadays just sit back and go through their phones to wait for this money which never comes sometimes. It impoverishes people because they use a lot of money in the long run. In fact, it has caused others to commit suicide. The proposed increase in the taxation rates will boost revenue for this country. We know in 2014/2015, KRA collected Kshs 4.7 billion. So, how much more will the Government collect if the 50 per cent increase is enacted? This will even save the taxman. For instance, in the coming Budget, the taxman is expected to raise Kshs189 billion - That is a lot of money. However, if we raise money through collection of taxes from betting and gaming, then it means the taxman’s burden will be reduced. It will also reduce inflation and lower the cost of living. We have been crying about inflation rates being high. The money raised will go to develop sports and culture. It will help nurture the youth in terms of developing their talents and even create jobs for them. It will occupy the youth which will in turn reduce crime and also expose our youth to the international arena in terms of competition and even getting skills that will shape the future generations of this country. I am concerned about the increase in PAYE. When inflation is high and people are paying more money to buy items, increasing the PAYE is tantamount to punishing them double. It is akin to giving with this hand and taking back using the other hand. We may have to make some amendments on the PAYE proposal just so as to make the Bill palatable to everyone. Thank you."
}