Kenya's expenditure comes from taxes says VP

Written By:VPPS/Judith Akolo,    Posted: Sun, Jun 26, 2011

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka with Agriculture Asst. Minister Gideon Ndambuki during the fundraising

There is need for the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to jointly work out modalities of implementing the taxation of Members of Parliament, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.

Mr. Musyoka said MPs were willing to pay taxes, noting that the new constitution requires that all Kenyans pay taxes.

"We are all subject to the new constitution meaning that we all have to pay taxes,'' said Mr. Musyoka.

Mr. Musyoka said in the past the 10th Parliament has a date with history as the parliament that successfully implemented the new constitution.

He said MPs should therefore be given the respect they deserve even over this matter of settling tax arrears.

Speaking at St. Stephen Anglican Church of Kenya, Mukuyuni in Kaiti constituency, during a fundraiser, the Vice President said the improvement of the country's economic situation depends on payment of taxes.

"97% per cent of Kenya's expenditure comes from taxes paid by Kenyans, companies and other organizations. It is only through these taxes that our economy can be uplifted,'' he said.

Development

Earlier Mr. Musyoka attended an open-air Sunday service at the church, presided over by the Machakos ACK Diocese Bishop, Rev. Joseph Kanuku.

The VP called for teamwork and unity among Kenyans as one of way of achieving the much needed development in the country.

He said development was elusive to achieve if leaders do not work as a team in resolving the problems facing wananchi.

The VP noted that the devolved system of government is aimed at taking services closer to the people.

He urged women and the youth take advantage of the new approach and seek the positions at the county noting that the new constitution has catered for their interests.

Leaders who attended the function included assistant minister Gideon Ndambuki  (Agriculture)as well as MPs Peter Kiilu (Makueni) and Prof Philip Kaloki (Kibwezi).

Others were former cabinet minister Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, former MP Adeline Mwau, cooperatives Secretary Daniel Maanzo, Anglican Church of Kenya,  Makueni  DC Ochilo Oyugi among others.

Mr. Kiilu said MPs were ready to pay taxes on their allowances and arrears, saying there was need for consultation on the mode of payment on the matter.

"MPs supported the new constitution and that they will not sabotage its implementation,'' said Mr. Kiilu.

Speaker after speaker called for unity among Kamba leaders ahead of the coming general election. Mr. Ndambuki appealed to Kenyans to support Mr. Musyoka for the country's top seat come 2012.

He said the Kamba community has supported other communities for presidency, saying it is high time for them to reciprocate by supporting Mr. Musyoka's presidency when President Kibaki retires from office.

Meanwhile, three cabinet ministers have supported the Constitutional requirement to have MPs pay taxes.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Transport Minister Amos Kimunya and Trade Minister Chirau Mwakwere are however calling for dialogue with Kenya Revenue Authority before the directive is effected.

But Assistant Minister for Planning, Peter Kenneth is asking KRA to go ahead with the planned exercise and tax the MPs as provided for under the Constitution.

Kenneth says that it should not be an issue of willingness to pay tax but a Constitutional requirement that has to be fulfilled.