BY CENTRINE ODOYO

Migori County is targeting to collect Sh1.2 billion in own source revenue in 2026/2027 financial year after recording significant growth in local revenue collection over the past four years

Speaking during a press briefing on earlier today in Migori town, the county Revenue Authority Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ushuru House Maurice Oindo said the county had a target to collect Sh880 million by the end of the current financial year ending within a week.

“By this time of going to the press we have already realized Sh830million with only few days remaining before the close of financial year, we will still reach our target. We are such confident,” Oindo said.

Oindo attributed the improved performance to reforms introduced by the current county administration since it assumed office in 2022.

According to the revenue authority, Migori collected Sh386 million in the 2021/2022 financial year before the current administration of Governor Ochillo Ayacko took over.

Revenue collections rose to Sh407million in the first year of the new administration, increased further to Sh512 million in the second year, and reached Sh709 million in the third financial year.

“As at May 30, we had already moved from Sh709 million to Sh800 million. The trend has been moving upward over the years, and this is what informs our revenue projections and budget estimates,” said Oindo.

He noted that the county is confident of achieving its current target and believes the upward trend will enable it to attain the ambitious Sh1.2 billion target in the next financial year.

The growth was reached by sealing revenue leakages, automating revenue collection systems, expanding revenue collection streams from 20 to 47, broadening the revenue base, and improving staff motivation.

He also raised concern over the continued use of cash payments by some residents, urging citizens to embrace digital payment platforms provided by the county government including USSD numbers.

“We want all Migori citizens to avoid paying revenue in cash and instead use bank accounts and our USSD payment platform,” he said.

The CEO emphasized that own-source revenue remains a critical pillar in financing county development projects alongside allocations from the National Treasury and support from development partners.

He warned that failure to meet revenue targets could negatively affect project implementation and lead to pending bills due to delayed payments.

“If revenue targets are not achieved, some planned projects may not be completed, and if completed, payment may become a challenge. Increased revenue means the county government can fully finance and pay for its budgeted projects,” Oindo said.

The county’s latest revenue performance comes as Migori prepares to implement its highest-ever budget estimate of Sh12.4 billion for the 2026/2027 financial year.