REVENUE FROM HEALTH FACILITIES SHOULD BE PLOUGHED BACK TO IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY – GOVERNOR OPARANYA

Kakamega Governor H.E. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya has directed that revenue generated by hospitals, estimated at Shs.800 million annually, should be ploughed back to improve service delivery.

The Governor also urged County executives to take necessary measures to enhance revenues by ensuring optimal collection of cess from County and national government road construction contractors. “We must have a system where we are able to invoice contractors per vehicle on weekly or monthly basis. We have lost a lot of money through issuance of one-off licences,” he said.

Governor Oparanya made the remarks today during the County’s weekly revenue collection review meetings with County Executive Committee Members, chief officers and Sub County Administrators at Kakamega Golf Hotel.

Hon. Oparanya who was flanked by deputy governor, H.E. Prof. Philip Museve Kutima decried environmental degradation caused by excavation of murrum by contractors and directed that they should pay adequate fees to facilitate restoration efforts.

During presentations by CEC Members, it was revealed that County revenues across all streams have taken an upward trajectory since the senior officers were assigned supervisory roles in revenue collection three weeks ago. Over 140 revenue clerks were sent on 60 days compulsory leave on the governor’s orders. Some of the latest statistics show over 200% average increase in revenue collection over the period from markets, business permits and stock rings.

The governor directed the team to ensure that all business premises are comprehensively mapped for optimal collections through the new cashless collection system.

Also present were Members of the County Assembly ICT, e-Governance, Library Services and Communication Committee led by chairman Hon. Kennedy Kilwake, County Secretary Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo, County Attorney Mr. Moses Sande, Kakamega Revenue Agency CEO Beatrice Memo, advisors and directors among other senior government officials.