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{
    "id": 974741,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/974741/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 238,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Pokot South, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. David Pkosing",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2662,
        "legal_name": "Losiakou David Pkosing",
        "slug": "losiakou-david-pkosing"
    },
    "content": "of the design. I made a presentation to the Budget and Appropriations Committee because it was one of the policy directions. I am glad it is being proposed as an amendment that regards ease of doing business. Our agreement earlier on was that once the SGR is completed, the revenues that come from the SGR be used to populate the escrow account to pay for the loan. Therefore, it was not supposed to be used at the source. The loan came to the Government and was used to meet operational costs like buying fuel and employment of people who operate the locomotives. That cost was to be met by the Government of Kenya. From 2017 to now, the Government has not met its obligation. Therefore, it has accrued about Kshs35 billion. We have been arguing as a Committee that we open the Railway Development Levy Fund (RDLF). When we open the RDLF, it will enable the Government to pay for operations, so that the proceeds are used to pay the loan. Let it be understood clearly because people were asking where the proceeds the SGR is making will go. The proceeds from the SGR will be used to pay the loan. Therefore, the payment of this loan becomes sustainable because the RDLF will meet the operational costs. I have seen that being captured as an amendment in the Bill. That is very encouraging. My Committee would like to appreciate the fact that the Executive has bought our idea. It is not going to be a load to the people of Kenya, therefore, making it easy to do business in this country. It is not only a benefit to traders, but also to the people of Kenya because taxes will be reduced."
}