Cord plans to push for more VAT Bill changes

Cord lawmakers will propose several changes to the VAT Bill when it comes to the National Assembly for debate.

Suba MP John Mbadi has been mandated to prepare the amendments, which the coalition says will make the VAT Act more people-friendly.

The amendments were agreed at a Wednesday Parliamentary Group meeting attended by coalition leader Raila Odinga.

Cord MPs plan to introduce the changes at the committee stage, where each clause of the Bill and its provisions are scrutinised.

It remains to be seen, however, if members of the Jubilee coalition will rise above party allegiance and support the amendments which, among other things, seek to add kerosene, milk and penicillin among commodities exempted from tax.

Speaking in Parliament Thursday, Mr Mbadi said Cord expected Jubilee MPs to vote with their conscience, rather than political allegiance.

“There are some progressive members among the Jubilee MPs. These issues do not affect Cord regions only but every Kenyan,” he said.

“If the government has failed to come up with a proper VAT Bill, we as Cord will present the necessary amendments and we expect MPs to vote across party lines. It is unthinkable to shoot this one down,” he said.

Mr Mbadi was accompanied by Cord MPs Abdullswamad Sheriff (Mvita), Kenneth Odhiambo (Kibra) and Mishi Juma (Mombasa Women Representative).

He said the changes would be comprehensive and target other essential commodities used by the majority poor.

The coalition members resolved at the Wednesday meeting to oppose the Bill in its current form. Although the government bowed to pressure and removed maize flour and bread from the list of goods, Cord says more goods should be zero-rated.

Mr Nassir said the government should not raise funds through the Bill, saying, it was a misplaced approach.

“We know Jubilee is desperate to raise money to meet unrealistic pledges, but this isn’t the right way. We are talking about ordinary Kenyans here,” he said.