Kisumu County government has partnered with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure a simplified and integrated rates and tax collection system to expand the county’s own source of revenue.
Through the agreement, Lakeside County would adopt sustainable tax management measures geared at unlocking its potential to collect up to Sh. 4 billion from the current revenue collection of Sh. 1.2 billion annually.
Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o lauded the strategic partnership, saying the county was committed to more collaborations aimed at enhancing revenue collection and curbing revenue pilferage in the county.
Speaking on Thursday, when he hosted a team from the authority, Prof. Nyong’o reiterated that his administration is committed to improving operational efficiency and prudent resource utilisation at the county to ensure he fulfils his development agenda for the residents.
“My administration is committed to expanding its revenue base and enhancing revenue collection to support the country’s development agenda and services,” he stated.
He noted that the county has recorded significant milestones in revenue collection through the implementation of the Electronic Revenue Platform, which has boosted revenue collections.
Besides, Prof. Nyongo expressed optimism that revenue collection is bound to grow further following the already existing partnership with Safaricom that enabled the adoption of a cashless payment system.
KRA Commissioner General, Mr. Humphrey Wattanga, speaking during the meeting, stated that KRA would support the county through aligning their tax processes and capacity building in the tax space to maximise tax revenue for local development.
“We will also partner with the county to identify and activate various revenue streams and tap them into the revenue basket. The Authority will participate in planning, forecasting revenue targets, monitoring, and accounting for revenue collected,” assured Wattanga.
Mr. Wattanga disclosed that data from KRA indicates that Kisumu has the potential to collect more revenues and reiterated that this can be achieved if the correct structures are put in place and maintained.
He urged the devolved unit to review its financial processes and embrace technology to enhance tax compliance and seal revenue loopholes.
The Commissioner General confirmed that KRA has, over time, adopted these strategies, which have subsequently boosted the collection of taxes.
By Robert Ojwang’
