By Reporter and Governor Press Unit
In a move aimed at boosting revenue collection, the county government of Uasin Gishu, recently launched a robust revenue enhancement initiative.
Governor Jonathan Bii said the initiative was geared towards raising revenue to a projected Sh 1.395 Billion for the financial year 24-25
“The initiative aims at sensitizing the residents to pay revenues to strengthen the county’s financial base in order to sustain and improve service delivery.
The county’s revenue mobilization strategy is a well-structured plan designed to yield better financial outcomes for the benefit of residents,” he said,
He said the launch exercise served as a starting point in reaching out to the business community, farmers, and residents, educating them on the importance of revenue enhancement and its direct benefits to the county.
Currently, Uasin Gishu County’s revenue collection stands at over Sh 500 million, with a targeted projection of approx. Sh1.4 billion.
Governor Dr Bii expressed confidence in bridging the gap through collective effort and compliance.
“Last year’s collection of Sh 1.4 billion was a milestone and facilitated key service delivery projects, a success attributed to the industrious taxpayers,” he said.
Dr Bii said the exercise was purely a sensitization initiative, not an enforcement mission.
“We want to educate, encourage, and empower our stakeholders, ensuring that every citizen understands their role in revenue contribution.
Every shilling collected translates into tangible development, improving infrastructure, markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services,” he said.
He said the Service Center has been positioned as a one-stop-shop designed to offer convenience to residents by providing easy access to county services under one roof. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to utilize the *764#* USSD service for seamless digital payments, reducing the need for physical visits and making compliance easier.
Deputy Governor Mr. Evans Kapkea encouraged departments to focus on achieving their revenue targets.
He explained the importance of maintaining a positive revenue trajectory while ensuring a conducive business environment.
“ I appeal to county officials to support residents and exercise proper timing in revenue collection to enable us to fulfil our development promises,” he said.
County executive committee member for Finance and economic Planning, Mr. Micah Rogony said each department has been allocated revenue target and they are expected to achieve the goals.
“ We did not only meet our previous targets but we also revised them upwards.
The Uasin Gishu’s Service Center is a model facility, with a fully stabilized system consolidating all 43 revenue streams under one desk,” he said.
Chief Officer for Finance Mr. Eliud Chemaget said currently the county has collected Sh 526 million had been collected and that the government was committed to fully automate its revenue system.
“A key priority is ensuring that the revenue is collected from all businesses operating within the county,” he said.
Budget Committee chairman, Mr., Jonathan Ng’etich said the optimal period for collecting Land rates which was between October and March, when farm produce is available, and residents have financial capacity.
“To bridge the remaining Sh 800 million revenue gap, we need a well-structured and dedicated work plan, furthermore, providing incentives to both the department and individuals facilitating revenue collection will enhance efficiency and compliance” he remarked
