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{
    "id": 736579,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/736579/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 212,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Onyura",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12833,
        "legal_name": "Michael Aringo Onyura",
        "slug": "michael-aringo-onyura"
    },
    "content": "I think taxation at 50 per cent is called for because for some reason this activity is now booming in our country. I wonder why betting and gambling is booming so much. I do not know whether it is because Kenyans are very hopeful people. Or maybe this is an indication of a really low- level of desperation. Whatever the reason, I think it is only fair that it is taxed at the highest levels possible. What I would hope is that such taxation should be channelled to welfare activities in our nation and community. For example, the health sector is going through a lot of difficulties. Such taxation should be channelled to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for universal healthcare. I would wish that such kind of taxes would be ring-fenced and channelled to sectors that are of welfare to our people, including empowerment funds like Uwezo Fund, which is a good idea. I hope it is a fund that is permanent, and that it will be strengthened. I have seen areas where groups that have received this money are doing very well. If it is properly managed, Uwezo Fund can also uplift the living standards of our people. Rather than just make it a chance Fund – hoping that we will not have a run on the Fund – it is a fund that should be developed properly and be used to empower our people. There is a section that addresses issues at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). That is called for as it will give them the muscle they need to do their work. They are doing a good job. It is important that we update the rules and some of the Acts that touch on KRA, so that we can be sure they are able to do their job of collecting revenue and accounting for it. They need our support in very many ways so that they can have the necessary environment to do the job we have given them to do. Ultimately, unless they meet their targets and collect revenue, we shall have serious shortfalls and we will not implement some of the proposals in the Budget. It is also encouraging to see that Islamic banking has been addressed here in terms of co-operatives and SACCOs. There is a good opening that can assist us tap into possible sources of financing and raising capital. So, it is good that at long last it is being addressed by legislation. I have also noted that with regard to the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) the issue of remission of contributions from Members has been addressed. It means that delays or non- remittance can be punished appropriately. This principle should cut across all the statutory deductions. Any employers who do not submit statutory deductions, be they the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) or even contributions like those of co-operatives should be penalized. This will discourage the practice of employers withholding or failing to remit contributions from employees."
}