Lubao FM News 
Counties have repeated threats to shut down counties by next week following delays by the National Government to release the Equitable Share of Revenue
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa who is also the Chairman of the Council of Governors Committee on Finance, Planning & Economic Affairs said the National Treasury is yet to release funds for the period between March and May 2023 amounting to Shs94.4 billion.
The Governor spoke at a ceremony to fete county revenue officers for realizing enhanced collections in the last Financial Year.
In the one year to June 30 2022, counties collected Sh35.9billion against a total set target of Sh60.4billion representing 59.4percent.
Kakamega County collected Sh1.2billion against the set target of Sh1.8billion, Barasa said adding that higher target of Sh2billion will be realized.
At the ceremony, Barasa oversaw the distribution of working tools, uniform, computers and other facilities to the revenue officers in Kakamega.
Mumias municipality was ranked the highest performer in collections.
Leading sources of revenue for counties include land rates, single business permits, parking fees, building permits and fees from billboards and advertisements.
Other streams are county housing rent, fines, penalties, and forfeitures, environment and conservancy administration fees and game reserve fees.
County governments can also impose charges for any services they provide in accordance with the stipulated laws.
Against the backdrop of financial uncertainties orchestrated by delayed disbursement of funds from the National Treasury, streamlining our financial resources and enhancing our Revenue streams is the only way to go.
By Wycliffe Andabwa
