Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential aspirant, Raila Amollo Odinga, has promised permanent tax exemptions to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Raila stated on Tuesday, May 24, that his government will exempt PWDs from paying tax on income derived from employment.
At the moment, the law grants PWDs a tax exemption for the first Ksh150,000 of their gross income. Any other income above this limit is subjected to the normal taxation.
Raila was speaking after meeting PWDs' representatives, where he also promised to ensure the free education in both primary and secondary school are a success.
He stated that his administration will also facilitate the increase of employment for PWDs in the public sector from the current 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
“President Raila Odinga will amend the PWD Act to give all PWDs an opportunity to enjoy economic rights enshrined in the constitution. I will enhance the Disability Fund to give all PWDs effective social protection,” he stated.
Data on the status of PWDs indicated that in 2010, Kenya had an estimated four million people with various forms of mental and physical disabilities, but only a fraction holding formal jobs.
Meanwhile, Raila will start his five-day tour of the Western Kenya region on Wednesday, May 25, with an aim of wooing the vote-rich region to support his presidency ahead of the General Election slated for August 9.
Raila will start his tour in Vihiga County before steering to Trans-Nzoia County on Thursday. He is expected to hold talks with political leaders from Western Kenya under the Azimio La Umoja in an effort to strengthen the outfit.
On Monday, May 23, Raila and his running mate, Martha Karua, unveiled the campaign team that will be tasked with popularising their candidature.
The Western team will be led by Kakamega governor, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Defence Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa. Other members include Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, Trans Nzoia gubernatorial hopeful George Natembeya, Kimilili MP Eseli Simiyu, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, Busia gubernatorial hopeful Sospeter Ojaamong, and MP Ayub Savula.
This will be Raila's first visit to the western region since Monday last week when he pledged to appoint governor Oparanya to the National Treasury docket and Vihiga gubernatorial aspirant, Kenneth Marende, as the Speaker of the Senate.
During the tour, Raila is expected to address key issues including his plan to improve the agricultural, healthcare, education, and infrastructure sectors including road construction.
