Homa Bay government has developed a phone application that it believes will improve the county revenue collection by sealing loopholes linked to corruption.
The app, called Homa Bay revenue collector, is expected to help the county government collect Sh2 billion by the end of the financial year.
Governor Gladys Wanga said using the application is one of the strides they have made in their system of revenue collection to ensure they improve the county's revenue sources.
The county introduced cashless method of collecting revenue after Wanga assumed the office as governor.
Between 2013 and 2022, Homa Bay government has been collecting revenue manually.
The governor introduced a digital revenue collection system where anyone in need of government services sent his or her money to the devolved unit's bank account through the mobile phone.
This saw revenue collection grow from Sh230 million in 2021-22 financial year to Sh859 million in 2022-23 financial year.
“The county government started using a pay bill and a USSD code. We have seen its challenge and that’s why we have improved system,” Wanga said.
Speaking when they launched and sensitised residents at Mbita town in Suba North constituency, the governor expressed hopes that with the new application, no one can abscond paying revenue as all revenue officials have been given targets.
The governor was accompanied by Finance executive Solomon Obiero, chief of staff Charles Odhiambo and the department chief officer Alphonce Wera
The sensitisation campaigns were also taken to Ndhiwa and Homa Bay town.
Wanga told residents that the application was developed while considering the county Finance Act and other laws.
According to the governor, most people in Homa Bay were concerned about allegations of corruption in the former regime. She asked traders not to give officers cash and report those who still demand cash because they will be arrested.
“The commission on revenue allocation report indicates that Homa Bay can generate its own revenue of than 1.5billion annually should there be no pilferage. We have automated the system to enable us seal such loopholes,” she said.
The governor called on residents to support her endeavours to develop Homa Bay.
She said the application can be used to generate reports and be monitored from remote areas.
Wanga said this will ensure everyone responsible for revenue collection will be held accountable for any hiccups experienced when on duty.
“Through the system, we’ll be able to know how each market centre generates revenue. [The new system] empowers revenue collectors and enforcers,” the governor said.
