FINANCE CECM PLEDGES REVENUE AUTOMATION AS COUNTY TARGETS KSHS. 1.05 BILLION OSR IN 2025/26

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance, Economic Planning and Revenue Management, Peter Mwikya Kilonzo, has reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to fully automate revenue collection as the county sets its sights on raising Kshs. 1.05 billion in Own Source Revenue (OSR) in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Hon. Kilonzo made the assurance while appearing before the County Assembly’s Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, chaired by Tseikuru MCA, Hon. Daniel Kimanzi Muange.

The pledge comes in the wake of last year’s revenue shortfall where the county collected Kshs. 895 million against a projected Kshs. 988 million.

The CECM revealed that 72 revenue streams have already been automated and integrated, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and sealing loopholes that previously led to revenue leakages.

The committee commended the ministry for progressively increasing OSR from Kshs. 360 million to over Kshs. 800 million in recent years. However, members called for the strengthening of public financial management systems to protect public funds and curb possible fraud.

“The automation of revenue collection will greatly strengthen financial governance, enhance control over public funds, and prevent pilferages,” noted Hon. Muange.

Mr. Kilonzo urged all stakeholders, including elected leaders, to help sensitize the public on the importance of paying taxes, citing resistance from some sections of the community. “We need goodwill from all stakeholders for the county to realize its revenue targets,” he said.

The committee also challenged the finance department to submit Finance Bills to the Assembly in good time to allow for smooth deliberations and approvals.

The CECM was accompanied by Chief Officer for Revenue Management and Accounting, CPA John Makau, and Assistant Director of Revenue, Mr. John Muema.