Uasin Gishu County Governor, Jonathan Bii Chelilim on Friday presided over the launch of a robust revenue enhancement initiative, geared towards raising revenue to meet the targeted figure of 1.395 Billion for FY 24/25. The colourful event that was conducted at the Service Center, aims to sensitize the residents to pay revenues to strengthen the county’s financial base in order to sustain and improve service delivery.
Quoting the philosopher Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "A goal without a plan is just a wish," Governor Dr Bii emphasized that the county’s revenue mobilization strategy is a well-structured plan designed to yield better financial outcomes for the benefit of residents.
This exercise serves 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 Ksh 500 million, with a targeted projection of approx. Ksh 1.4 billion. Governor Dr Bii expressed confidence in bridging this gap through collective effort and compliance. Last year’s milestone collection of Ksh 1.4 billion facilitated key service delivery projects, a success attributed to the industrious tax payers.
Governor Dr Bii reiterated that the exercise is purely a sensitization initiative, not an enforcement mission. The county aims to educate, encourage, and empower its 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.
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 acknowledged the Governor’s transformative leadership and encouraged departments to focus on achieving their revenue targets. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive revenue trajectory while ensuring a conducive business environment.
Kapkea also urged county officials to support residents and exercise proper timing in revenue collection to fulfill the county’s development promises.
County executive committee member for Finance and economic planning,Micah Rogony emphasized that revenue targets have been allocated to departments and are being actively pursued. He noted that the county had not only met its previous targets but also revised them upwards.
Rogony reiterated that the revenue sensitization exercise is not about enforcement but awareness. He highlighted that Uasin Gishu’s Service Center is a model facility which other counties are keen to learn from, with its fully stabilized system consolidating all 43 revenue streams under one desk. He insisted on ensuring revenue collection from all businesses.
Chief Officer for Finance Mr. Eliud Chemaget set the county’s revenue target at Ksh 1.395 billion, reporting that as of the previous night, Ksh 526 million had been collected.
The county will focus on eight key revenue streams namely Land Rates, targeting Ksh 250 million, Single Business Permits(SBP) with 44,000 registered businesses, targeting Ksh 400 Million, Cess, targeting Ksh 80 million by June.
Others include 138 health Facilities, targeting Ksh 68.7 Million, SACCOs and Matatus, targeting Ksh 15 million, Motorbikes targeting Ksh 30 million, Petrol Stations targeting Ksh 15 million and Building Plans, targeting Ksh 37 million by June 2025.
Chemaget emphasized the need to achieve these milestones, affirming the county’s commitment to fully automate its revenue system.
Budget Committee chair at the county assembly Jonathan Ng'etich emphasized the need for proper guidance on revenue matters,in line with the Public Finance Management(PMF) Act,so as to adopt a strategic approach—particularly from what is know to the unknown—to enhance revenue collection across Uasin Gishu county.
A key priority is ensuring that the revenue is collected from all business operating within the county. Of importance is the optimal period for collecting Land rates which is between October and March, when farm produce is available,and residents have financial capacity.
"To bridge the remaining ksh 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
The launch of this revenue sensitization exercise marks a crucial step towards financial sustainability in Uasin Gishu County, ensuring continued growth and improved service delivery for all residents.
All County executives, chief officers ,Directors ,and Revenue officers were present.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.