Counties raise Kshs. 58.95 billion exceed revenue targets

By Robert Mutasi 

The CoG, chaired by Anne Waiguru, praised the Counties for their sterling performance in revenue collection against the financial year 2023-2024. 

Waiguru, also the Governor of Kirinyaga County, said the Counties cumulatively raised Kshs. 58.95 billion from own sources of revenue, representing a stellar performance of 72.8% of the annual target impressive amidst various economic challenges facing the devolved units.

Of this, Kshs 16.66 billion was raised through Facility Improvement Fund collections to depict firm effort by county governments in continuously improving health care services. 

Overall, this OSR performance represents a 55.91% increase compared to the previous year, underlining efficiency in counties in managing and diversifying their respective revenue streams.

Indeed, an impressive increase in county revenue collection amid a period when fiscal sustainability has been among the key drivers to the success of Kenya's devolution. 

Waiguru hailed the revenue teams at counties for dedication and determination, noting that the money raised from the local levels played a critical role in financing key county functions such as health, infrastructure, and education.

These include 10 counties that realized their annual revenue targets in impressive collections. 

First on the front line is Turkana County, which achieved the target by an astonishing 241.2%. 

Following closely is Vihiga County at 136.3%, while Kirinyaga County, the home county of Waiguru, managed to attain 118.4% to emerge third.

Other counties that exceeded their targets include Lamu at 116.2%, Nandi at 113%, Wajir at 110%, Garissa at 108.2%, Nyeri at 106.1%, Samburu at 104.1%, and Murang'a at 100.2%. 

Indeed, these are good performances by the counties in question, showing that county governments can actually surpass expectations and truly contribute to the country's economic growth with some good planning and accountability.

Waiguru called on other counties to take a leaf from the book of those who performed well through embracing resourceful strategies in revenue collection and further enhancing efficiency in financial management. 

She reiterated that meaningful collaboration between national and county governments was key to ensuring these counties are supported to have their financial obligations met and deliver services to citizens.

Abetted by this with robust fiscal management, such sharp growth in county revenues has the effect of spurring economic activities at the regions and thereby improving livelihoods for millions of Kenyans.