County revenue collectors put on notice over involvement in fraudulent activities

By Peter Ochieng

Revenue collectors in Bungoma County have been challenged to carry out their duties diligently, for effective revenue collection.

Speaking during a ceremony to hand over motorcycles to ward revenue officers at Mabanga ATC on Thursday, Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka said the revenue collectors are a key cog in the County’s bid to reach its target of Sh2.2 billion collection yearly.

Over 30 brand new motorbikes were handed over to the revenue collectors. The county boss at the same time issued a stern warning to the revenue collectors involved in fraudulent activities, attributing the decline in the county's revenue base to corrupt officials enriching themselves through dubious means.

He warned that such officers will be dealt with accordingly. “We shall not be malicious, but if you are caught, carry your own cross,” he said.

The issue of sharable revenue from the national government, Lusaka said, is becoming a tricky affair, adding that counties must enhance revenue collection measures to ease the burden.

“The issue of sharable revenue is becoming tricky, getting money to come to counties to help us is becoming tricky. Even the national government has a challenge in getting that money.”

“The onus is now on us to ensure that we collect all the revenue that we need as a county and all other counties are doing that. We have discussed and agreed that it is going to be our responsibility to seal all the loopholes that are enabling our revenues to leak,” he added.

The governor also cautioned enforcement officers against overstepping their mandate, by posing as revenue collectors, insisting they adhere strictly to their job descriptions.

In addition, he warned county officers resisting transfers, suggesting that their reluctance was likely due to the formation of cartels within their workplaces.

The county chief earlier launched the Mteremko-Sango Bridge, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation in the region.

The bridge connects the Luuhya/Bwake and Bukembe East wards, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing access to essential services for residents.