Nairobi County has seen a sharp rise in revenue collections in the first half of this financial year, earning Ksh 4.82 billion compared to Ksh 3.81 billion during the same period last year. According to the latest Controller of Budget report, this boost comes from digitising revenue systems and smarter collection methods.
Governor Johnson Sakaja praised the progress, pointing to streamlined processes as the key to success. “By digitising revenue streams and cutting out inefficiencies, we’ve significantly increased our collections. We’re focused on accountability and maximising funds to improve services for residents,” he said.
Building permits topped the list of revenue sources, bringing in Ksh 966 million, with parking fees close behind at Ksh 860 million. Other major contributors included:
- Unified business permits – Ksh 603 million
- Land rates – Ksh 338 million
- Billboards – Ksh 315 million
- House rents – Ksh 294 million
- Market fees – Ksh 107 million
- Food handlers’ certificates – Ksh 41 million
However, not all areas performed well. Fire inspection certificates dropped sharply from Ksh 39 million to just Ksh 1.5 million, and land rates and tyre inspection certificates also saw declines. Tiras Njoroge, the county’s Revenue Administration Chief Officer, blamed this on past policy shifts, particularly land rate waivers. “Before, waivers reduced compliance within the legal timeframe. Now, we’re cracking down with penalties like property clamping and auctions for defaulters,” he explained.
The Nairobi Pay digital platform has been a game-changer. In the 2023/2024 financial year, it helped the county collect Ksh 12.8 billion, making Nairobi the top county for own-source revenue out of all 47 counties. While this fell short of the Ksh 19.9 billion goal, the county is aiming high again, targeting Ksh 21.06 billion this year.
To keep the momentum going, Nairobi has opened new customer service centres and ramped up public awareness efforts. “We’re bringing all charges under one clear system for transparency. We also want residents to pay digitally from home,” Njoroge added. New centres in Dandora, Ruai, and Umoja 1 in Embakasi West are making it easier for people to access services.
In a bold move, Nairobi County has decided against a new finance bill for 2024. Instead, it’s focusing on fine-tuning existing collection methods. This shows City Hall’s determination to boost efficiency without piling extra costs onto residents.
With ongoing digitisation and tougher enforcement, the county is confident it can hit its financial targets and improve services. As Nairobi grows, residents can look forward to a clearer, more efficient revenue system that supports the city’s sustainable development.
