Paul Otuoma has pledged to steer Busia County towards raising Sh707 million in own-source revenue in the current financial year, following what he described as steady fiscal growth under his administration.
Speaking during his fourth State of the County Address at the County Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Otuoma revealed that the county had surpassed the half-billion mark in its own revenue collection, recording Sh509 million.
“For the current financial year, we have set an ambitious target of Sh707 million, and with a strong first-quarter performance of Sh235 million, we are firmly on course to achieve and possibly surpass this goal,” he said.
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The Governor attributed the improved revenue performance to deliberate institutional reforms designed to unlock the county’s estimated Sh2 billion revenue potential. He noted that the projection was backed by recommendations from independent institutions, including the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Office of the Controller of Budget.
“I particularly commend the County Assembly Committee on Finance and Economic Planning for its proactive and constructive engagement with my officers,” he stated.
Otuoma further disclosed that his administration and the County Assembly had agreed on far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening integrity, professionalism, transparency and efficiency in revenue administration. Among the key measures is the establishment of an Independent Revenue Department and the Busia County Own Source Revenue Inter-Departmental Coordination Framework.
“Central to this transformation is the full implementation of a cashless payment system,” he said, adding that the move would help seal revenue leakages and address long-standing system weaknesses.
The Governor highlighted a steady growth trajectory in own-source revenue since he assumed office, noting that collections had increased progressively from Sh292 million to Sh392 million, then to Sh400 million, and now to Sh509 million.
“I am confident that Busia County will realise its full revenue potential by the close of the next financial year,” he added.
