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{
    "id": 992819,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/992819/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 95,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Malalah",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13195,
        "legal_name": "Cleophas Wakhungu Malalah",
        "slug": "cleophas-wakhungu-malalah-2"
    },
    "content": "who is a trader at Khayega Market. The economy is at its low. Therefore, it is important for us to cushion such wananchi at these trying moments. County governments have scaled down their operations. Seventy per cent of their employees are at home because of the Coronavirus mess. Therefore, it means that the recurrent expenditure of county governments has gone down. It is important for county governments to appreciate the fact that their expenditure is low and the local revenue that they were collecting to operationalise their expenditure should not be an issue. It is also important for them to consider waving day to day taxes of people who are trading at local markets. Madam Temporary Speaker, the matatu sector has been affected. As we speak, the Ministry of Health together with the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure Housing, Urban Development and Public Works gave out clear directions that a 14-seater matatu should only carry a maximum of eight people. It is sad that as much we are reducing the capacity of matatus we are still taxing them as though they are carrying to capacity. It is important to consider waving taxes on such traders. I spoke to one of the chairpersons of matatu operators SACCO in Kakamega, Mr. Sangulo who told me that life is hard. People are parking their vehicles. Drivers and conductors are losing their jobs because they are unable to break even in their businesses. Therefore, it is important for us to consider the Statement by Sen. Mwaura and look for ways to cushion small-scale traders. We have people who work in salons and cannot afford a meal per day yet they still pay rent. This should also extend to the landlords. I appreciate landlords in Kakamega Town who have considered to negotiate with their business community. However, not all landlords have complied. I wish there could be a policy from the national Government to urge all landlords to consider waiving part of their monthly rent because we are living in very difficult times. I want to congratulate Sen. Mwaura for coming up with this noble idea. How I wish we could conceptualize this idea into a policy so that it is effected, for the betterment of our people. I thank you."
}