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 per cent improvement in OSR in comparison with the same period in the last financial year.
“In 2017, we found our annual revenue at less than Sh500 million, a figure that has continued to increase each year. In the 2024/2025 financial year, we collected Sh1 billion. This financial year, our revenue target is Sh1.6 billion. As at January 31 this year, we had raised Sh 401,956,528, a 41 per cent improvement in comparison with the same period in the last financial year. We are very hopeful that we shall hit our target,” explained Governor Lenku.
He added that to enhance efficiency and convenience, the county has put in place measures to make payment of taxes and levies easier for residents. In line with national policy and best practices in Kenya, the county is transitioning to a fully cashless revenue collection system.
“We now have a USSD code *295 that is currently undergoing configuration and will be launched in a week’s time to ensure our taxpayers fulfil their obligations from the comfort of their mobile phones,” said Lenku.
In addition, revenue collection functions have been aligned with respective sector departments to improve operational efficiency and service delivery, while maintaining centralised oversight under the County Receiver of Revenue, as required by law.
This alignment is expected to enhance departmental ownership of revenue streams linked to their mandates and strengthen coordination between service delivery and revenue collection.
Governor Lenku reaffirmed his commitment to reforms that are geared towards reducing revenue leakages, improving compliance, and enhancing 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 the various Own Source Revenue (OSR) strategies to realise the desired results.
During his address, the governor also outlined key milestones and ongoing reforms and development agenda for the year ahead in the health, land, water and agricultural sectors.
By Diana Meneto
