The Senate’s Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology committee’s chairperson and Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Kiprotich (3rd Left) with members, pose for a photo with Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her administration outside the latter's office in Machakos county on September 9, 2025.Machakos County’s success in plugging revenue leaks and growing collections has won praise from the Senate ICT Committee.
The Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology has urged county governments to strengthen their Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) and County Revenue Management Systems to boost accountability and enhance revenue collection.
Speaking during a fact-finding mission in Machakos on Tuesday, the committee praised Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration for effectively applying both systems, which they said had translated into tangible gains for the devolved unit.
“We are here at Machakos County to review how the IFMIS and County Revenue Management Systems are working. This is part of a nationwide exercise we have been conducting for the last few months,” said committee chair and Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Kiprotich.
The senators met Governor Ndeti and her executive team at the county headquarters before addressing the media.
Kiprotich noted that Machakos is the ninth county the team has visited after similar tours in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kajiado, and Kiambu.
The committee hailed Machakos for significant growth in its own-source revenue, particularly in the health sector.
“For instance, the county raised hospital revenue from Sh30 million to Sh230 million in its first year of using the system, and Sh775 million this year. This shows the impact of having effective management systems in place,” Kiprotich said.
He commended Governor Ndeti for closing loopholes in revenue collection and urged her to continue strengthening governance structures.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey, who accompanied the team, described Machakos as one of the counties with the least systemic challenges among those visited.
He also praised Ndeti for acting swiftly when attempts to compromise the systems were detected.
However, the senators raised concerns about challenges linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA), including delayed reimbursements.
“Machakos is owed close to Sh500 million by SHA. It is unfortunate that counties are expected to provide critical health services without receiving the necessary support,” Cherarkey said.
He called for a forensic and IT audit of the SHA system under Article 229 of the Constitution, noting that a functional health system is key to the success of devolution.
Cherarkey further criticised the rollout of e-procurement, saying the Ministry of Finance should have consulted counties before implementation.
“The solution is consultation and concurrence between the national and county governments. Under Article 96, the Senate is mandated to protect the interests of counties, and we will continue doing so,” he said
