Lands Ministry Has Collected 𝟏.𝟔𝟖𝟗𝐁 in Revue: MPs Told
The State Department of Lands and Physical Planning collected revenue amounting to Kshs.1.689 Billion against a target of Kshs.1.417 Billion as at 30th June, 2023.
The Committee on Lands chaired by North Mugirango MP, Hon. Joash Nyamoko was told in a meeting with Hon. Nixon Korir, PS State Department on Lands and Physical Planning regarding budget impelmantation and monitoring for the FY 2022/2023.
Legislators sought details on the finanacial performance by vote & programme from the State Department on Lands and Physical Planning indicating actual receipts, exchequer issues, recurrent expenditure, pending bills and actual output achieved relative to set targets.
During the meeting, Members of Parliament noted the failure to meet certain key revenue targets by the Ministry.
“Why are you not able to meet some of your revenue targets? Specifically Land valuation has only raised Kshs 6,153,004M with a target of Kshs 55, 433,907M. What is this challenge?”, North Mugirango MP, Hon. Joash Nyamoko.
Members of the Committee also lauded the increase in revenue collected particularly in land rent.
“Revenue collection for land rent has increased from Kshs 210M to Kshs 833M, what have you been doing differently to increase revenue stream? Can it be replicated across the sector?” Emgwen MP, Hon. Josses Lelmengit.
While submitting his responses, PS Korir attributed the increase to digitization, as land rents are now collected through the Ardhisasa platform. The PS further expressed optimism about facilitating direct stamp duty payments through Ardhisasa platform.
“This is as a result of digitisation. We are surpassing our targets because land rent are being collected through the Ardhisasa system. It is easier for Kenyans to pay,” he added.
PS Korir further informed the Committee of plans underway to enable citizens pay stamp duty and other key lands services directly through Ardhisasa platform.
However, the Committee Members questioned the past handling of revenue. Changamwe MP, Hon. Omar Mwinyi asked “Where was the money going previously when Kenyans were paying cash at land registries? There must have been pilfirage of revenue?”
PS Korir assured Members that revenue collected will increase. “We are planning to rollout cashless payment systems across the country for all land payment processes including land valuation fees, land registration fees, conveyancing fees and stamp duty,” he informed the meeting.
Regarding the functionality of the Ardhisasa platform, Members of the Committee raised alarm over the accessibility and user friendliness of the platform.
“Are you still committed to demystifying and simplyfting the Ardhisasa platform? You need to break this platform down to the public so that they can be able to transact safely on the platform?”questioned Kitui Central MP, Hon. Rachel Nyamai.
In response PS said, “It is true that the Ardhisasa platform has been complicated to understand. Members of the public have not understood Ardhisasa platform. It’s important to do a serious campaign, we are going to do land clinics, webinars across the country.”
The Committee on Lands called on the Ministry of Lands, Public Works and Urban Planning to enhance sensitization on the digitisation of land records and the functionality of the Ardhisasa platform.
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