M’Ethingia’s Administration Achieves Record Revenue Collection of Sh1.148 Billion
By Gerald Mukembu
The County Government of Meru has achieved a remarkable milestone in revenue collection for the fiscal year 2024/25, generating Sh1.148 billion an increase from last year’s Sh961 million.
Meru County government Finance Executive Member Monica Kathono attributed this success to the proactive measures implemented by the new governor, Mutuma M’Ethingia.
Speaking from her office, Kathono highlighted that Governor M’Ethingia’s immediate focus on motivating county staff played a significant role in driving revenue growth.
“Once he assumed office, he championed cashless transactions and the digitization of all revenue collection processes. He motivated all staff and set an ambitious target of Sh1.2 billion for the year,” she said.
Kathono said 32.6% of the total revenue was collected in the last quarter of the fiscal year under M’Ethingia’s leadership.
Kathono said this achievement emanated from the governor’s positive engagement with health workers where he met with medical representatives and their unions.
She said M’Ethingia committed to enhancing their welfare and ensuring adequate staffing levels, thereby reducing the frequency of strikes and improving service delivery to the people of Meru.
Kathono said that the county fell short of the Sh1.2 billion target primarily due to delays in the digitization of certain revenue streams, particularly land rates for properties such as residential flats and small healthcare facilities.
She assured that steps are being taken to address these gaps, including the planned digitization of liquor licenses.
“We anticipate that once full digitization is implemented, we will be able to significantly increase revenue collections in the 2025/26 fiscal year. All these efforts are geared towards benefiting the people of Meru,” she said.
The rise in revenue collection shows traders and business people adhered to paying through digital platforms.
As the county government looks ahead, it aims to overcome current challenges and fully realize its potential for improved financial performance, with a steadfast commitment to reinvesting in the community.
