Why MPs rejected Epra plan to hike taxes
The government has been dealt a major blow after Members of Parliament rejected a proposal that could have seen levies collected by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) increase from the current 0.5 percent to 1 percent.
The proposals, which were contained in the Energy Act, 2019, were rejected by the House this week during the consideration of the (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill.
In rejecting the proposals, MPs argued that the public was already struggling with high energy costs and that an increase in the levy would have a direct impact on consumers.
Rea: Eyes on Epra as court extends order against road levy hike
If the proposed amendments had gone through, the levies collected by Epra on electricity and petroleum could have doubled, a cost that would have been borne by consumers.
Chairperson of the Energy Committee, Vincent Kawaya (Mwala), rallied his colleagues to reject the amendment, pointing out that the committee was currently conducting investigations into the high cost of electricity in the country and it would be counterproductive to pass the amendments.
“I propose deleting the amendment proposed to Section 20(1). The proposed amendment sought to increase levies on electricity and petroleum by Epra from 0.5 percent to 1 percent. In other words, Epra wanted to double their collections,” Mr Musyoka said.
“We are working to reduce the cost of energy, not increase it,” Mr Kawaya told the House.
He told Nation.Africa that as a committee, members read mischief on the proposal, saying Epra did not only want to double the levies but also wanted the money collected to be exempted from the consolidated account.
“This means that the money collected cannot be subjected to accountability. It also makes it difficult to monitor the levies collected because it is not directly from the exchequer,” Mr Musyoka said.
Read: Bill seeks to strip EPRA role of setting petrol prices
Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch supported the rejection of the amendment and said Kenya has already lost investors to neighbouring countries with lower electricity costs.
“High cost of electricity hinders economic growth and discourages investment. Investors are moving to neighbouring countries with lower electricity costs,” Mr Oluoch said.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo supported rejection of the proposed amendment, saying the cost of electricity in Kenya is already high.
Marakwet East MP Kangongo Bowen argued that it is not the right time to increase the cost. “I support the deletion of this amendment. As a country, we are looking at measures to reduce the cost of electricity for our people,” he said.
However, Epra received a boost after lawmakers approved an amendment to the Energy Act that will give it the power to regulate crude oil.
MPs argued that the move was to encourage ongoing exploration and production activities in Turkana County.
“We are going to have our own crude oil. Again, regulation does not necessarily mean we are using crude oil ourselves,” Mr Kawaya said.
“We will also likely have potential customers who want to use our transit lines – our pipelines – to transport their crude oil. In this regard, there must be some form of regulation for any crude oil arriving in the country.”
In a bid to deter vandalism and stealing of energy infrastructure, the lawmakers called for stricter penalties for the offence.
“We need to send a strong message to those who steal energy infrastructure,” said Teso South MP Mary Emaase. “This is a very serious offence and thieves must be punished.”
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.