COUNTIES TO FOCUS ON OWN REVENUE COLLECTION
Governor H.E Dr Wycliffe Oparanya and his Baringo counterpart H.E Stanley Kiptis have encouraged Counties to enhance own source of revenue to avert financial crisis in the devolved units.
Addressing a joint Press briefing at the County Headquarters today, the Governors said Counties are in arrears for months because the National Treasury has failed to disburse funds to the devolved units.
“After a two day meeting with Baringo County staff who are in Kakamega for benchmarking mission we have resolved that Counties should have a robust debate on how to enhance own revenue as a long term solution to financial crisis occasioned by delayed disbursement of funds,” said Governor Oparanya.
He said Counties should continue benchmarking to share information, knowledge and experiences on implementation of development projects, human resource and and other programmes to improve on service delivery.
“We encourage exchange programmes to sharpen skills of our staff. We are honoured by Baringo for choosing our County as a benchmarking destination,” he said.
They said this will ensure market opportunities are exploited alongside promoting local tourism among the counties.
Governor H.E Kiptis lauded Kakamega County for its best practices and structures that have contributed to the development of the County.
He said he admired Governor Oparanya’s planning skills adding that he was a role model to other Governors in terms of development.
“We will go to implement what we have learnt in Kakamega to improve the lives of our people in Baringo. Exchange programmes are key in enhancing capacity building and enabling Counties to grow together,” said Governor Kiptis.
The Governors said they will strengthen ties through regular exchange programmes
Deputy Governor H.E Prof Philip Kutima, CECMs and Chief Officers from both Counties, County Secretary Madam Jacinta Aluoch with her Baringo counterpart Mr Francis Komen among other senior officers from both Counties attended the two day benchmarking session.