Migori County Government has warned owners of county plots to update their ownership records or risk repossession and reallocation as the devolved unit intensifies revenue collection and seeks to ensure its properties are developed.
Migori County Director of Revenue Mourice Oindo said many plot records were outdated, making it difficult for the county to establish whether registered owners were still alive, available or actively developing their properties.
He urged all county plot owners to visit revenue offices at the county headquarters or their respective sub-county offices to update their details.
Oindo warned that plots whose ownership information remained unupdated could be treated as vacant, with the county assuming that their owners were deceased or could not be traced.
He said developed plots and businesses were important sources of revenue used by the county to finance development projects and meet its financial obligations.
According to Oindo, the county’s revenue collection has increased steadily, rising from Sh386 million in 2022 to Sh893 million in 2026. The county is targeting Sh1.2 billion in revenue during the 2026-2027 financial year.
He said the target was achievable if residents and taxpayers cooperated by paying required county charges and complying with relevant regulations.
Oindo also called on plot owners, traders, businesses and other taxpayers to update their records and use official payment channels to support revenue collection and protect themselves from fraudsters.
The Revenue Director further directed food handlers and businesses operating eateries, hotels, bars, schools and clinics to ensure they had valid public health certificates.
He advised food handlers to obtain the required certification through public health officers based at sub-county hospitals and dispensaries.
At the same time, Oindo warned residents against individuals claiming to have authority to approve building plans at construction sites.
He stressed that building plans must be submitted for approval at the relevant county or sub-county offices and warned residents against giving cash to individuals claiming to facilitate approvals.
Applicants were advised to confirm the required charges at county offices and make payments through official bank or M-Pesa channels.
Oindo urged residents and businesses to pay county taxes, saying revenue collection was critical to financing development programmes.
He alleged that some politicians were encouraging residents in certain markets not to pay taxes for political reasons, saying such actions undermined the county’s development plans.
By Yvonne Mambo and Calton Ombok
