Migori banks on automation of payment methods to lift revenue

Proper framework

Deputy Governor Gimunta Mahiri said payments had been low because of lack of a proper framework to guide the process.

"We are coming up with the Bill to legalise automation of revenue collection. Since the onset of devolution we have been only collecting 30 per cent of our target," Mr Gimunta said.

During his swearing-in ceremony at Migori Stadium on August 25 last year, Mr Ochilo said his administration would prioritise the digitisation of revenue collection to increase county finances, fight corruption, and improve service delivery to Migori residents.

He also promised to employ more people tasked with collecting various payments.

Migori Small Traders Association chairman Samuel Migore said passage of the Bill and its implementation would help protect his members from harassment.

"Traders have often been harassed, especially the boda boda operators. We need to have an automatic system where names of businesses or registration can be verified," Mr Migore said.

A report by the Controller of Budget for the financial year that ended June last year had listed Migori among counties that surpassed their revenue targets.

In the report, Migori collected Sh387 million from its initial estimate of Sh350 million, ranking it second among the 47 counties.

The county had earlier projected to collect Sh280 million, which was attributed to the effects of Covid 19.