Adoption of new technology and a committed human resource has contributed to positive progress in revenue collection in Laikipia County.
Today, Laikipia residents can access revenue payment service through a mobile phone Application known as “Laikipiapay- Citizen” which they can download from Google Play store of any Smartphone.
In addition, the Point of Sale (POS) machines used by revenue collectors are automated not only to generate invoices but to authenticate the payments and citizens can now pay for services conveniently through Mobile Money Playbill no. 313131.
According to County Revenue Board Chairperson Wangari Wachira, the revenue collected between July 2018 and February 2019 is Sh134, 000, 000 million.
“Despite this steady growth in own source revenue, we have not burdened the citizens with additional or increased taxes but rather leveraged on technology and human resources to improve our efficiency,” Wangari has said.
While releasing a press statement at Laikipia Governor’s boardroom Wednesday, Wangari appreciated tax/ levy payers in the area, who ensured that their dues were remitted as stipulated in the law.
She pointed out that the remitted taxes have translated to development across the County in form of drilled boreholes, new / improved health facilities, and refurbishment and construction of Early Childhood Development Education ECDE) classrooms.
The Chairperson added that the county has a long way to go, and it was through commitment in paying levies/ taxes, that the County government would be able to provide services such as access to quality and affordable health care, piped water, passable roads and good business environment among others.
“The Laikipia County Revenue Board will continue holding regular consultations with tax payers to ensure they are in this journey of making Laikipia the greatest county,” she added.
The Revenue Board has organised a tax open consultation week from 26th to 28th March 2019 to interact and engage the residents on various fees collected by the county.
The Board Chairperson has called on the local residents to turn up in large number during the consultative week.
By Margaret Kirera