Natembeya targets Sh1 billion own-revenue in 2026-27 FY

Governor George Natembeya is eyeing a significant increase in Trans Nzoia county's own-source revenue, targeting more than Sh1 billion in the 2026-27 financial year.

 Natembeya wants the county to steadily improve revenue collection in line with targets set by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

 Top county officials from key departments met in Kitale, where they unveiled an ambitious plan to raise Sh1 billion in own-source revenue during the 2026-27 financial year.

 The officials held a two-day review and validation meeting on the County Revenue Mobilisation Strategy.

 The forum was convened with support from the Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP2), a World Bank-funded programme implemented through the State Department for Devolution across all 47 counties.

 “We have taken all the necessary measures and are working with the teams involved to ensure we meet the revenue targets,” Natembeya said.

 Trans Nzoia County KDSP2 coordinator Emeldha Agoi said the finance department would play a central role in driving the county’s revenue reforms.

 “Revenue collection and meeting the target are our primary objectives. We must stick to the Sh1 billion target. Even smaller counties have achieved similar goals, so Trans Nzoia can do it,” she said.

 She urged staff to become ambassadors of revenue collection and shift from being problem creators to solution providers.

 “Teamwork and a shared vision will make Trans Nzoia a model county with proper management systems,” she said.

 County Receiver of Revenue CPA Kerato Wanyonyi, who is also the KDSP2 Key Result Area One focal person, said revenue targets had been revised upwards from Sh709 million to Sh914 million as part of the journey towards the Sh1 billion goal.

 “Individual responsibility and proactive engagement are crucial. Each participant must identify and address issues. Increased revenue will directly translate into tangible improvements for our people,” he said.

 The finance team, led by director Bernard Madegwa and Internal Auditor Andrew Wepukhulu, highlighted accountability gaps in revenue collection systems. They noted instances where large sums of money were collected but not fully accounted for.

 “We need standardised receipts, prompt checks and stronger systems. Without accountability, the potential for increased revenue will remain unrealised,” they said.

 Presentations were made by Boaz Bulimu on the legal framework, CPA Kerato on mobilisation strategies and Tima Omar on the review and validation of the existing strategy.

 Key revenue streams identified include parking fees, land rates, health services, cess collections, building plan approvals, boda boda stickers, single business permits and liquor licences.

 According to the Commission on Revenue Allocation, Trans Nzoia has the potential to collect up to Sh1.8 billion in own-source revenue.

 Governor Natembeya has set 2027 as the target year for achieving this milestone.

 The KDSP2 programme, under Key Result Area One, seeks to support counties in automating exchequer systems, developing forecasting models, mapping own-source revenue streams and managing pending bills.

 Officials agreed that transparency and public participation would be critical to the success of the revenue mobilisation strategy.

 “Citizens must be aware of how their money is used. This will build trust and support for revenue collection,” said one participant.