Jubilee Coalition MPs support zero rating of essential commodities Nairobi, 8th July, 2013 PPS Jubilee Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) have agreed to support amendments that will ensure bread and maize flour remain zero rated and attract no VAT. This will be done by way of an amendment to the VAT Bill 2013. The MPs said they were committed to ensuring that the cost of living remained bearable to Kenyans. They also pledged to support Government initiatives to increase production and lower the cost of living. The Jubilee members committed to support the Government to make targeted interventions aimed at cushioning vulnerable members of the society. They also agreed on the need to extend the number of persons under the safety net and who receive monthly stipends from the Government. Speaking today at State House Nairobi during a Parliamentary Group meeting that was chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Jubilee MPs also resolved to support the Government’s devolution plans as enshrined in the Constitution. They noted and commended the Government for devolving 34 percent of the resources to the counties despite the stipulated 15 percent in the Constitution. In this regard, the Jubilee Members of Parliament appealed to the Government to continue supporting the counties to take up their responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution. On the teachers’ strike, the MPs urged the teachers to respect the Constitution and institutions created in the law. They particularly asked KNUT to respect the decision of the Court and negotiate with TSC and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) that is mandated by the Constitution to deal with the salaries of public servants. The Parliamentary Group meeting also underscored the need for structured negotiation that can come up with a sustainable Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Addressing the meeting, President Kenyatta called on the MPs to work closely with the executive to ensure the Jubilee Government effectively serves Kenyans. The President pointed out that both the legislature and the executive have crucial roles to play in ensuring the Jubilee Government succeeds in its development agenda. “In delivering services to Kenyans, there is that which the executive is required to do and that which the National Assembly has to do,” President Kenyatta said. The Head of State reiterated that the Coalition should hold regular Parliamentary Group meetings so that issues of national importance can be discussed and agreed on before they are presented in Parliament. “That way, we will ensure that the Bills, policy papers and the various bits and pieces of legislation we require will be able to pass in Parliament in a smooth way,” the President said. The President emphasized that the success of the Jubilee team all the way to the grassroots level depends on both the executive and the legislature. In this regard, President Kenyatta said the Jubilee legislators have a responsibility to act as the outreach of the Government at the grassroots level, saying the programmes and projects that the Government implements will be felt through them. Speaking during the meeting, Deputy President William Ruto commended the Jubilee MPs for their commitment and active participation in Parliament. The Deputy President thanked MPs for pushing through the agenda of empowering the Kenyan people, noting that Parliamentary business is critical in the country’s development agenda. Ends…
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 12:36:43 +0000
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