• Senators commended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for digitalizing revenue collection systems
• On Saturday, November 30, the Senate Committee on ICT visited Trans Nzoia County where it assessed the challenges facing decentralized systems.
• The committee led by Samson Cheragei expressed concern about widespread income gaps in the counties.

TUKO.co.ke reporter Amos Khaemba brings over three years of reporting experience policy and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi – The Senate Committee on ICT has commended Trans Nzoia County for implementing a digital revenue collection system, calling on the county to further expand its digitalization efforts to improve service delivery and boost revenue generation .

Led by Senator Nandi Samson Cherargeithe committee visited Trans Nzoia on Saturday, November 30 to assess the county’s progress in integrating ICT into its operations.

Other members of the committee included Senators Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), William Kipkemoi (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Beatrice Akinyi (Homa Bay County).

Read also

SHA: Kenyan government clarifies that Adani is not involved in the Taifa Care program

The committee recognized Trans Nzoia’s progress in automating its revenue streams, but urged Governor George Natembeya to ensure full system integration and automation of all revenue sources.

“We commend the county for its progress in digitalization. However, revenue collection remains below potential with the county collecting KSh600 million against a target of KSh1.9 billion. We advocate complete automation to plug leaks and maximize revenue,” Cherargei said.

Senators expressed concern over widespread county revenue gaps, attributing the deficits to inefficiencies and potential mismanagement.

“For example, Nairobi County has a revenue potential of KSh67 billion, but has only collected KSh12 billion. Similarly, my Nandi County collected KSh300 million out of a target of KSh1.2 billion,” Cherargei noted.

To address these challenges, the committee recommended that counties collaborate with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to establish integrated revenue management systems, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Read also

Nairobi: Hundreds of doctors to hold special conference as strike approaches

Cherargei also criticized the ineffectiveness of the county’s fund requisitions, revealing that KSh109 billion remains unspent in the county’s revenue accounts at Central. Bank of Kenya (CBK).

“Trans Nzoia alone has almost KSh2 billion lying idle, but services are not reaching wananchi (citizens),” he said, urging counties to streamline their requisitioning processes with the comptroller of the budget.

Pending bills remain a significant problem, with counties yet to settle KSh154 billion in bills as of June 2024, despite substantial budgetary allocations.

Cherargei warned Treasury Cabinet Secretary Jean Mbadi against delays in the disbursement of county funds, citing Article 219 of the Constitution. He promised the Senate would summon and censure finance officials if future delays persist.

“When we pass a budget, we expect it to be released to the counties in a timely manner so that services can be provided to the people,” he said.

The Senate approved KSh387 billion for counties in the current fiscal year, an increase of KSh3 billion from the previous year’s allocation.

Read also

Senators Crystal Asige and Miraj Abdillahi are the top senators named in the latest poll

The Senate ICT Committee is committed to reviewing the county’s revenue policies and operational systems to improve efficiency and accountability. Cherargei urged counties to prioritize governance and public service delivery.

“People deserve effective services. Counties must be transparent and committed to improving the lives of wananchi,” he concluded.

Source: TUKO.co.ke