Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has assented to the Kisii County Bill, 2019/2020.
Speaking in his office, the Governor who was accompanied by the County Assembly Clerk James, Nyaoga, Deputy Speaker Davins Onuso, Leader of Majority Timothy Ogugu, Chief Whip John Ombati, Chairman County Assembly Budget Committee Denis Ombachi, Chief Officer in charge of Revenue management Bernard Omosa among other senior officers indicated that the Bill grants the County powers to collect revenue from local sources.
“The County Government is targeting KShs 500 million in revenue collection from local sources this financial year. I have put my officers in charge of revenue on notice to achieve and surpass the target because it is part of their performance contracting,” he said.
Ongwae thanked Kisii County Assembly for passing the Bill and residents for giving their inputs during public participation forums conducted by both the Executive and the Assembly across the county adding that their views are fully incorporated in the Bill.
“Considering the country’s current economic situation, we have chosen not to increase fees payable for purchase of motorbike and matatu stickers. We will continue charging KShs. 300 and KShs. 2,700 per month for motorbikes and matatus respectively,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae announced that his administration has developed several strategies to facilitate an enhanced revenue collection system in order to meet the targets.
“We are increasing automation from the current 60 per cent to 80 per cent by the end of this month. Besides, we intend to reach out as many residents as possible to create awareness on the need to remit taxes,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae asserted that the county government is giving waivers on accumulated arrears and penalties owed to the government by various business entities and individual citizens in order to encourage the public to start paying taxes and various utility fees to support service delivery.
“Currently, the County Government has given waiver of accrued principal arrears and penalties on motor cycles, Nissan matatus, minibuses, buses and station wagons on condition that those affected resume their monthly and annual payments immediately,” he said.
He added that the waiver applies only upon payment of this month’s monthly stickers and that it will run for a month.
The Governor also stated that the County Government intends to establish an inventory of all existing business in the county to make it easy for a follow up.
The majority leader said all stakeholders were fully consulted in developing the Bill through public participation and called on residents to support the county in its bid to raise revenue.
