County launches new plans to raise Sh1.2b tax target

Wycliff Kipsang @wsang08

Uasin Gishu County Government has introduced new strategies to achieve its Sh1.2 billion revenue collection targets following a two-month waiver announced by Governor Jackson Mandago. 

Roads, Transport and Public Works Executive Gideon Birir yesterday said the devolved unit is in the process of mapping out and zoning areas, daily reports and monitoring for ease of operation.

“We want to digitise our revenue collection. Our officers will be moving from one center to the other to reach out to residents,” said Birir.

He was speaking yesterday when he held a meeting with revenue collection team from Kesses and Ainabkoi sub-counties and parts of Turbo sub-county at the county headquarters in Eldoret. 

According to Birir, farmers and traders making application will only be required to produce plot number, identification card and mobile number. Payment will be by phone as the county adopts cashless revenue collection. 

Takes advantage

“I encourage residents to take advantage of the two-month period that penalties and arrears have been waived, because thereafter it will be restored,” noted Birir.

The county has established centres in Ainabkoi and Kesses sub-counties and in Royalton/Annex. 

In Ainabkoi, the centres have been established at Olare, Burnt Forest, Kipkorgot trading centre, Cherunya and at Wonifer ICT resource centre. All the centers are equipped with computers.

“We call on anybody with a complain to visit our other centers for revenue collection at the county headquarters and the Lands office at Ardhi House,” said Birir. 

He urged residents to comply to avoid penalties after the two months lapse.

In announcing the waiver last month, Mandago’s said the move was informed by the current economic situation that residents have been grappling with due to the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

“For you to benefit from the waiver, you must clear the outstanding land rates, if not by 30 June, we will reinstate the rates plus penalties and interests,” warned the county boss. 

He, however, added that the 100 per cent waiver on penalties and interests on land rates will not be applicable to individuals with active court cases.