Entry Instance

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{
    "id": 875269,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/875269/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 13,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 225(2)(b), I wish to convey to the House that I am in receipt of a petition, signed by a Mr. Njoroge Waweru regarding Value Added Tax levied on textbooks, journals and periodicals. The petitioner is concerned that the Value Added Tax Act of 2013 imposed a blanket Value Added Tax on textbooks, educational materials, journals and periodicals. He believes that this is an impediment to the realisation of the free basic education initiative. The petitioner contends that books in their inherent nature are not based on commercial model. Therefore, any tax charged on the value of books can only amount to distortion of taxation. In his view, this kind of taxation on textbooks is in conflict with the Government’s free education policy. The petitioner, therefore, prays that the National Assembly, through the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning legislates to waive the sixteen per cent (16%) Value Added Tax levied on text books, educational materials, journals and periodicals; and makes any other order or direction that it deems fit in the circumstances of the prayers sought. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 227(1), this petition stands committed to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration. I urge the Committee to engage the petitioner and report to the House within 60 days. I thank you. Hon. Members, it is also important for me to remind the House - I am sure that the Chair of Finance and National Planning Committee may recall that this same petitioner has always petitioned the House with regard to this particular aspect. Maybe you can engage him and get fresh ideas that he may have."
}