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Finance

MAKUENI COUNTY TEAMS UP WITH KCB TO BOOST REVENUE COLLECTION, OFFERS DISCOUNTS FOR EARLY PAYMENTS.

Makueni County has entered into a strategic partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank to streamline and enhance revenue collection, targeting Ksh 1.5 billion in Own- source Revenue for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The KCB team on Tuesday held talks with County Secretary, Dr. Justin Kyambi and County Executive Committee Member, Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, Damaris Kavoi.

The KCB team was led by David Nyamu, General Manager, Sovereign and Public Sector during the official launch at the Governor’s Office in Wote.

As part of the initiative, the County launched a five-day public awareness campaign to educate businesses and landowners on the importance of paying land rates, renewing business permits and settling other County dues.

To encourage timely compliance, the county is offering discounts for early payments:

10% discount on unpaid bills of up to Ksh 10,000 and 5% discount on unpaid bills exceeding Ksh 10,000.

Boniface Mutua, Chief Officer for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, also attended the event.

MAKUENI COUNTY OUTREACH: ENGAGING TRADERS AT MTITO ANDEI MARKET

The Department of Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, led by CECM Damaris Kavoi, conducted a community outreach program at Mtito Andei Market on Wednesday.

The event kicked off with a market cleaning exercise involving department officials, local traders and other stakeholders, fostering community collaboration and responsibility.

During a follow-up consultative meeting later in the day, Ms. Kavoi commended the 70% of traders who regularly pay their taxes and encouraged others to adopt a flexible tax payment plan that allows for installments.

She further announced a 10% discount for traders who pay on time, emphasizing, “Paying taxes is a shared responsibility that benefits the entire county.”

Also attending the exercise, Lands and Urban Planning CECM Japheth Mang’oka pledged to resolve land disputes and work with surveyors to improve market planning.

On the other hand, area MCA Hon. Francis Mulwa supported the initiative, highlighting its importance in paving the way for infrastructure development and market growth.

The event, also attended by Chief Officer Boniface Mutua and other county officials, underscored Makueni County’s dedication to community engagement, improved services, and sustainable development.

EQUITY GROUP FOUNDATION EXPLORES COLLABORATION WITH MAKUENI COUNTY

A delegation from the Equity Group Foundation (EGF), led by Advocacy Director Hon. Kinoti Bonface, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at his office on Tuesday evening.

The Equity Group Foundation is a social arm of Equity Group Holdings that focuses on improving livelihoods for low-income communities through economic opportunities, skill development and providing innovative financial solutions.

During the visit, discussions highlighted opportunities to train MSMEs, support farmers and provide financing solutions to boost local economic growth.

Governor Kilonzo encouraged the Equity team to identify broader investment opportunities in Makueni, with an emphasis on agriculture, health and education.

Kilonzo further reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to initiatives that empower Makueni residents economically.

Also present at the meeting was CECM for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, Damaris Kavoi.

Makueni Launches Key Publications to Enhance Data-Driven Development and Accountability

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched key publications aimed at advancing data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Governor Mutula presided over the unveiling of the County Indicator Handbook for the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, the sixth edition of the County Statistical Abstract (CSA-2024), and the first-ever Ward Development Profiles.

The newly launched Indicator Handbook provides a comprehensive set of metrics to assess progress on the county’s development agenda, while the CSA-2024 enhances access to critical data for informed decision-making.

The Governor also highlighted the county’s innovative Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), a digital platform that allows stakeholders and citizens to monitor the status of county programs and projects in real time. The system, accessible via the county’s website, fosters transparency and provides a channel for public feedback.

Governor Mutula revealed that additional modules are being incorporated into the PMTS to improve its analytical capabilities and usability. “These enhancements, combined with annual data series developed in collaboration with Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), ensure that we have accurate, updated, and actionable data to guide our policies and accountability efforts,” he noted.

The Ward Development Profiles, another key publication, offer a detailed assessment of programs and projects implemented in specific wards over the past two years. Verified by the community and decentralized government staff, the profiles reflect the county’s commitment to grassroots involvement in development planning and assessment.

The Governor urged citizens to actively participate in the county’s development journey. “Development starts with local action. Together, we can build a brighter future for Makueni County.”

The event was also attended by Director Abdulkadir Amin Awes, representing the Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya, representing the County Commissioner; Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Finance, Agriculture and Devolution CECMs Damaris Kavoi, Joyce Mutua and Nicholas Nzioka respectively.

Makueni County Crowned SDG Champion

Makueni County has once again been named Kenya’s best-performing county in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), winning the prestigious award for the sixth consecutive year. The accolade was presented to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. by Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the SDG Forum Kenya, on Wednesday during a ceremony at his Wote office.

The county’s success is anchored on innovative policies like the Makueni Universal Health Policy 2020 and Climate Change Fund Regulations 2015, addressing healthcare access, climate resilience, and social inclusion. By aligning SDGs with its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Annual Development Plans, Makueni ensures precise progress tracking and impactful implementation.

Institutional frameworks, including a dedicated SDGs Coordinating Unit and grassroots SDG champions, have bolstered coordination and community ownership. Creative outreach, such as translating SDGs into the Kamba dialect and the SDG anthem by the Makueni Choir, has deepened public awareness.

Another contributing factor is partnerships with organizations like the World Resources Institute and Strathmore University which have enhanced capacity-building and the integration of global sustainability practices. Robust data tools, including an SDG Indicator Handbook, have also supported evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Lauding Makueni’s leadership, Syevuo noted, “Makueni has proven that sustainable development is achievable through visionary leadership and community involvement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

RELIEF FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EASES FINANCIAL BURDEN

Business owners in Makueni County can now pay for permits and licenses in installments, following the enactment of the 2024 Finance Act.

Finance Executive Damaris Kavoi announced the changes during a market outreach at Emali Bus Park on Wednesday, where she also revealed discounts for timely compliance. As part of the incentives, small and medium-sized enterprises will enjoy a 10% discount on their unified invoice bills, while large businesses will receive a 5% discount.

The outreach event also brought good news to tenants of Emali Bus Park and the modern market stalls. Their rent has been reduced, and have also been granted a 50% waiver on arrears accrued during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures, effective from December 1, 2024, aim to ease financial strain on businesses and enhance revenue collection efficiency.

Kavoi, however, decried low compliance in property rates and unregistered plots, urging property owners to clear arrears and provide required data to improve service delivery.

The measures reflect Governor Mutula’s continued efforts to foster a conducive business environment while enhancing revenue mobilisation to fund critical services and development projects.

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE IN ACTION

On Monday, the County Treasury welcomed two officials from Kisumu County’s Economic Planning Directorate on a learning mission focused on data and statistics. 

As Kisumu prepares its second generation County Statistical Abstract, the delegation is keen to draw inspiration from Makueni’s consistent track record in producing quality statistical abstracts. The County Government of Makueni is currently preparing it’s 6th series.

The visit also explored exciting opportunities for collaboration on statistical policies, strengthening ties between the two counties for better data-driven decision-making.

CONTROLLER OF BUDGET LAUDS MAKUENI COUNTY FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION

Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, has lauded Makueni County’s Solarization Project at the Referral Hospital, describing it as a model initiative that could be replicated in other counties to cut energy costs.

The flagship project for the 2023/2024 financial year is projected to save the hospital Ksh. 7 million annually in electricity bills. By reducing the hospital’s energy expenses and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, the project aims to significantly enhance the quality of healthcare services.

Dr. Nyakang’o visited Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to present findings from a monitoring exercise conducted by a team from the Controller of Budget’s office, which evaluated the county’s budget implementation for the 2023/24 financial year.

The team assessed several key projects, including the solarization initiative at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, the Kathuma Borehole Water Project and the Makueni Child Protection Centre. These site visits included discussions with stakeholders to review progress, identify challenges and gather feedback.

The COB delegation also reviewed the administration, management and performance of the county’s Own Source Revenue (OSR). Dr. Nyakang’o praised Makueni for surpassing its Ksh. 1 billion OSR target but encouraged the county to push further and aim for its full potential of over Ksh. 2 billion.

She described the overall monitoring exercise as highly positive, noting that while there are a few challenges, the progress of devolution in Makueni is evident and encouraging.