Members had spared betting companies such as SportPesa from the 50 per cent tax rate and kept the levy at the current rate of 7.5 per cent. But dissenting MPs raised complaints on the Thursday vote, prompting Mr Duale to call a second vote on the four items in what is regarded as recommittal in parliamentary lingo. Finance minister Henry Rotich proposed in March to raise taxes for betting firms to 50 per cent of gross profits from 7.5 per cent. When the bell was rung and quorum was attained, the MPs voted to retain Treasury secretary Henry Rotich’s proposal to impose uniform 50 per cent tax on gamming, lotteries and prize competition. Those who opposed the reduction of the 50 per cent tax to the current rates through an acclamation vote unsuccessfully tried to force a division (physical vote) after failing to marshal 15 MPs required to call for such a vote.

Source: Daily Nation May 28, 2017 17:48 UTC