Laikipia County has recorded a 22.9 per cent increment in its own source revenue collection in the last six months despite the stagnant economic growth brought about by drought and Covid-19 pandemic.
Area Governor Ndiritu Muriithi speaking to the media on Thursday in Nanyuki town said the remarkable achievement in collection of Sh397 million has been attributed to major reforms in embracing technology in doing cash transactions, smart town initiatives and improved health services.
“This incredible performance of continuous growth in own source revenue has contributed to continuous engagement with stakeholders and reforms within the county public service,” said the governor, adding that first half of 2021/2022 financial year revenue is the highest ever since the advent of devolution.
He added that the revenue increment is part of the 39 per cent 2021/2022 financial year budget implementation.
He said he is keen on achieving Sh1 billion target by the end of this financial year. “The splendid performance in revenue collection this year is a strong indication that the revenue board is assured of realizing its target,” said Muriithi.
Muriithi said that compared to the performance of the 2020/2021 financial year in which the county recorded the highest own source revenue ever at Sh322.9 million in this financial year, there was an incredible performance.
However, the governor lamented that due to the shocks of Covid-19 pandemic, the performance of own source revenue for year 2019/2020 had dropped to Sh290 million in the same period, when compared to the current year’s performance there is 36 per cent own source revenue growth.
Muriithi said his administration has put in place economic measures of boosting Small and Medium Sized Enterprises that have been affected by covid-19.
The county boss further revealed plans were underway this month to support manufacturers in the region through energy costs aimed at upscaling their manufacturing capacity.
“If you are a manufacturer or small business engaged in manufacturing here in Laikipia we will be supporting you with over 40 per cent of energy cost. What you have to do is show us your receipt once you pay Kenya Power for us to do REMIT (Regulation on Wholesale Energy Market Integrity and Transparency),” Muriithi promised.
The county boss noted once the Central Region Economic Block (CEREB) technical team were done in discussing protocols on how to waive off licenses fees in the region, SMEs would have ease in doing businesses.
He further said the ongoing construction of Kirima Police Division in Laikipia West Sub County would boost security in the area that have been having frequent banditry attacks.
By Muturi Mwangi
