Laikipia County Government has recorded the highest ever revenue collection of Sh220.9 million for the first three months of 2021/2022 Financial Year amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Laikipia County Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi, speaking to the media at his Nanyuki town office, Monday, noted that compared with the 2020/2021 Financial Year where the County collected about Sh150 million in the same period an increase of 47 per cent.
“In the last Financial Year 2020/2021, when we realized the highest revenue ever collected at Sh840 million, the first quarter collection was Sh150 million, which is an increase compared with 2021/2022 Financial Year,” the County boss said, adding that the growth in own sourced revenue collection represents 22 per cent of county budget implementation.
In the 2019/ 2020 Financial Year, first quarter, there was a drop to Sh139 million compared with 2018/2019 Financial Year, same time, where the County had collected Sh160.3 million as own sourced revenue. The drop was attributed by Covid-19 scourge.
Muriithi revealed that the outstanding performance has been attributed to continuous engagement with stakeholders, reforms within the County Public Service and embracing of technology.
“Sterling performance is a strong indication that the revenue board is poised to realize the target of Sh1 billion in 2021/2022 Financial Year,” Muriithi said.
“My Government has put in place measures to uplift and revive businesses which have suffered a major blow in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, through the economic stimulus programme.”
The county boss further said that his Government is supporting Small and Medium Business Enterprises (SMEs) through the Sh3.3 billion economic stimulus programme, noting that under the Laikipia Innovation Programme at least 1500 businesses are being supported.
Muriithi called on area residents to take part in public participation on the 2021/2022 Finance Bill and Revenue Administration Bill that kicked-off on Monday, October 4, 2021.
By Muturi Mwangi
