A licensing desk at the One-Stop-Revenue office in Machakos county during its launch on April 9, 2025. /SCREENGRAB
Machakos county government has unveiled a one-stop revenue collection plan in a bid to enhance own-source revenue collection.
Speaking during the launch, Machakos Finance and Economic Planning CEC Onesmus Kuyu said the One-Stop Revenue Collection initiative is aimed at streamlining and enhancing the payment of business licences across the county.
"I urge those tasked with enforcement to remember they are dealing with people ,please carry out your duties respectfully and professionally. I also appeal to our citizens to comply willingly, so that we can meet our revenue targets," Kuyu said.
Besides the funds received through the Equitable Share of Revenue raised nationally and donors/conditional grants, county governments are by dint of Article 209 and 210 of the constitution allowed to impose levies, property rates, entertainment charges and other taxes or fees as authorised by an Act of Parliament.
However, according to data from the Office of the Controller of Budgets, counties have consistently failed to meet their Own Source Revenue (OSR) targets in all the fiscal years since the start of devolution in 2010.
Multiple studies conducted by the World Bank, National Treasury, and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) have revealed untapped revenue sources in the counties.
As a result, a number of counties have taken to exploring ways to maximise revenue collection to support their operations and fund local development initiatives through taxation, fees and other charges for services provided to citizens.
Machakos Chief Officer for Revenue Mike Otieno said the new OSR is designed to bring services closer to the people, thereby eliminating the need for long travels to pay or renew licences.
"Today, we are flagging off our One-Stop Shop initiative. This exercise marks a major milestone in decentralising our services, making it easier and more convenient for residents to access them," Otieno said.
The One-Stop Revenue Collection initiative will be rolled out across all the 40 wards of Machakos county, ensuring equitable access to services for all residents.
