By Habil Onyango
The implementation of a cashless revenue collection system that prohibits traditional cash transactions is paying dividend in Homa Bay county.
This initiative that was aimed at enhancing revenue collection, improvent accountability, and to curb cash-related corruption in the county, has turned around revenue collection in the county.
The system appears to be working, as the county’s Own Source Revenue (OSR) now stands at Ksh 1.73 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The progress was reviewed during the 30th County Revenue Roundtable, which assessed June’s performance and the year-to-date results for FY 2024/2025.
This amount represents a 117 per cent increase over the initial target set last July of Ksh 1.4 billion, resulting in an additional Ksh 246 million generated beyond expectations.
During today’s County Revenue Roundtable held at the County Headquarters, Governor Gladys Wanga shared the encouraging figures, highlighting that this year’s total is 44 per cent higher than the same period last year.
“We reported a remarkable 44 per cent increase in Own Source Revenue (OSR) for the financial year ending June 2025, reflecting steady economic growth and a commitment to sustainability,” she stated.
“This growth was achieved through efficient revenue collection systems and diversification of revenue streams,” Wanga added.
The Governor attributed this significant growth to the steadfast commitment and diligence of the revenue collection teams, as well as the effectiveness of the implemented systems to monitor and enhance fiscal performance.
Wanga emphasized that such positive results not only reflect an improved capacity for revenue generation within the county but also signify broader, steady growth in the county’s economy.
“By effectively harnessing local resources and maximizing revenue streams, the County Government aims to reinvest these funds into essential services and infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents in Homa Bay,” she explained.
According to a recent report by Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of the Budget, the Health Sector, including Appropriation in Aid (AIS) and Facility Improved Fund (FIF) remains the highest revenue contributor.
Other sources of revenue in the county include Single Business Permits, bricks, sand, murram, stones, and bus park fees.
The county also generates OSR from market dues, income from kiosks and stall rents, miscellaneous income, and other sources.
