Kakamega County government collected Ksh1.8 billion ($14 million) in own source revenue (OSR) during the 2024/2025 financial year, an increase from Ksh1.3 billion ($10 million) recorded in 2023/2024.

Despite the growth, the county is yet to meet its Ksh2.2 billion ($17 million) revenue target. To bridge the gap, the Kakamega County Finance Bill 2025 has introduced additional revenue sources through taxes, fees, charges and other receipts on businesses and commercial activities.

Among the new revenue sources are charges on electric vehicle charging points, with rural areas paying Ksh4,000 ($32), urban centres Ksh6,000 ($46.37) and the municipality Ksh8,000 ($61.83) per charging point. The county has also introduced new charges for underground fuel storage tanks with a capacity between 10,000 and 20,000 litres.

Operators in rural areas will pay Ksh20,000 ($154.6), those in urban centres Ksh25,000 (193.21) while municipality operators will pay Ksh42,500 ($329).

The county also targets revenue from optic fibre, internet, TV and telephone cabling. Internet service providers (ISP) will be required to pay application, installation, and maintenance fees. Additionally, the county has proposed a charge of Ksh3,000 ($23.2) per pole on Kenya Power Company (KPLC) electricity transmission poles.

Chairman of the County Assembly Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Bonface Osanga, said once the Bill is fully implemented, Kakamega will be able to achieve its Ksh2.2 billion target. Osanga, who is also the MCA for Khalaba Ward, made the remarks during a public participation forum for the Bill at the Kakamega Social Hall.

County Assembly Leader of Majority Philip Maina cautioned politicians against inciting residents not to pay revenue. He stressed that those who receive county services must also contribute through taxes.

During the forum, residents raised concerns about proper use of the funds. Simbauni John Maurice, an activist from Matungu Sub-County, urged the government to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery. He also called on the county assembly to strengthen its oversight role.

Meanwhile, the Director of Kenya Chamber of Mines for Artisanal Small-Scale Miners Niva Mahiva urged the county government to establish a gold-buying centre in Kakamega to help collect revenue from the sector. He said the county is losing potential revenue since most of the mined gold is sold outside the county.

Chairman of Kakamega County Assembly Committee on Budget and Economic Planning Bonface Osanga addressing the media after a public participation forum on the Finance Bill 2025 in Kakamega.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Moses Wekesa and Selphine Katumanga