Kajiado: Kajiado County has made tremendous strides in raising its Own Source Revenue (OSR) Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has said. Speaking during the State of the County Address at the Kajiado County Assembly chambers, the governor said that the county has recorded a 41 percent improvement in OSR in comparison with the same period in the last financial year.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Lenku detailed the county’s financial growth, noting that in 2017, the annual revenue was less than Sh500 million. Over the years, this figure has increased, reaching Sh1 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year. The current financial year’s target is Sh1.6 billion, and by January 31, the county had raised Sh401,956,528, marking a 41 percent improvement compared to the same period in the last financial year. Governor Lenku expressed optimism about meeting the revenue target.
To enhance efficiency and convenience, the county has implemented measures to simplify tax and levy payments for residents. Aligning with national policy and best practices in Kenya, Kajiado County is transitioning to a fully cashless revenue collection system. A USSD code *295 is undergoing configuration and will be launched soon, enabling taxpayers to meet their obligations via mobile phones.
Furthermore, revenue collection functions have been aligned with respective sector departments to boost operational efficiency and service delivery, while maintaining centralized oversight under the County Receiver of Revenue, as stipulated by law. This alignment aims to enhance departmental ownership of revenue streams tied to their mandates and improve coordination between service delivery and revenue collection.
Governor Lenku reaffirmed his commitment to reforms aimed at reducing revenue leakages, improving compliance, and boosting public confidence in county revenue administration. He directed the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Finance and Economic Planning to ensure the full implementation of various OSR strategies to achieve the desired outcomes.
During his address, the governor also outlined key milestones and ongoing reforms in the health, land, water, and agricultural sectors for the year ahead.
