Sakaja targets Ksh.20B in revenue collection for Nairobi, credits digitization for record growth

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has attributed the county’s revenue growth to the digitization of all revenue streams, a move that he says has significantly boosted efficiency and transparency.

Speaking before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC) on Friday, Sakaja announced that the county is targeting Ksh.20 billion in revenue collection for the 2024/2025 financial year, building on its recent successes.

“This is a remarkable rise from previous years. Last year, we collected Ksh.12.81 billion, but this year, we are targeting Ksh.20 billion,” Sakaja stated.

The governor further highlighted the county’s performance in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, where revenue collection reached Ksh.2.22 billion, up from Ksh. 1.83 billion in the same period last year.

October 2024 emerged as a standout month, with revenue collections hitting 97% of the set target. Total collections for the month amounted to Ksh.823.67 million, compared to Ksh.526.02 million in October 2023.

Sakaja, accompanied by Finance County Executive Committee (CEC) member Charles Kerich and Revenue Collection Chief Officer Tiras Njoroge, credited the gains to a robust digital revenue collection system implemented by his administration.

“We now have a system that outperforms all other revenue systems the county has ever had,” Kerich said.

Governor Sakaja emphasized that the digitization of revenue streams has not only boosted revenue collection but also enhanced the county’s ability to meet its financial obligations, paving the way for improved service delivery and development projects.

The administration’s focus on innovation and accountability is being hailed as a critical step in transforming Nairobi’s financial management and boosting public trust in local governance. Governor Sakaja also encouraged other counties to adopt similar systems, noting that digitization could significantly enhance their revenue collection and financial accountability.