Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has expressed strong confidence that the county will exceed its record revenue collection of Sh12.8 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year. Speaking at a critical entry audit meeting with county executives and representatives from the Office of the Auditor General, Governor Sakaja underscored the county’s dedication to transparency and compliance in revenue collection. This commitment, he noted, is bolstered by the complete digitisation of the county’s revenue streams.
A Commitment to Excellence in Revenue Collection
During the meeting, Governor Sakaja highlighted the importance of digitising revenue collection processes, a move he believes will play a pivotal role in boosting the county’s financial performance. He stressed that the digital transformation of revenue streams will streamline operations, reduce leakages, and increase overall efficiency in managing public funds. “This year, we are targeting even higher collections. I urge our County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) to go above and beyond in their efforts to meet these goals,” Sakaja remarked, illustrating his administration’s commitment to achieving ambitious financial targets.
Governor Sakaja’s confidence in exceeding the previous financial year’s revenue collection figures is rooted in the autonomy granted to various county departments, including hospitals and the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC). He noted that this strategy has already borne fruit, as evidenced by NWSC’s impressive collection of over Sh10.8 billion in the last financial year. “We believe in empowering these institutions to generate more revenue. This autonomy not only aids in decision-making but also ensures that more funds are available for service delivery to our people,” the governor stated.
Empowering County Departments for Greater Autonomy
Sakaja’s approach involves decentralising revenue collection to enhance the financial health of the county. By empowering individual departments to manage their own revenue, he aims to create a more dynamic and responsive governance structure. This strategy is expected to increase overall revenue and improve service delivery to Nairobi’s residents. The governor emphasised that this model allows departments to have a direct impact on their financial outcomes, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.
The governor’s push for greater transparency and openness with the Auditor General’s office was a focal point of the meeting. He stressed the importance of clear deliverables and maintaining an open dialogue with the Auditor General to ensure that the Nairobi City County Government operates efficiently and responsibly. “I urge everyone to take this meeting seriously. We must be open with our people and deliver on our promises. The auditor general needs to fully understand how we collect and spend public funds,” Sakaja said, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to financial integrity.
Setting a New Standard for Openness and Accountability
Representatives from the Office of the Auditor General commended Governor Sakaja for initiating the entry audit process, which they described as a significant step towards greater transparency in county finances. “This marks the beginning of a new era of openness in county finances,” an officer from the Auditor General’s office stated. The commendation reflects the positive reception of Sakaja’s efforts to foster accountability and set a precedent in financial management for Nairobi County.
Governor Sakaja’s vision for Nairobi’s financial future is one of transparency, efficiency, and growth. By prioritising digitisation, empowering county departments, and maintaining an open dialogue with oversight bodies, he aims to create a robust financial foundation that will benefit all residents of Nairobi. As the county moves forward, Sakaja’s administration is poised to not only meet but potentially exceed its revenue targets, setting a new benchmark for what can be achieved through dedicated governance and innovative financial strategies.
As Nairobi County gears up for a financially promising year, the commitment to transparency and effective revenue collection remains at the forefront of Sakaja’s administration. With a focus on digitisation, departmental empowerment, and rigorous oversight, the governor’s strategies are paving the way for a more prosperous and accountable future for Kenya’s capital city.
