Kisumu has launched a transformative revenue collection exercise to empower the city financially and ensure sustainable urban development.
This marks a significant milestone in the city’s quest for financial autonomy and improved service delivery.
During the launch, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga expressed gratitude for the event, highlighting it as not just another routine exercise, but the start of a new era for Kisumu.
As one of the leading cities within the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Kisumu has witnessed rapid urbanisation and growth.
With this growth, however, comes an increased demand for highquality public services. To meet this demand, a strong, transparent and efficient revenue framework is now essential.
Wanga credited Kisumu’s Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, for his visionary leadership in championing the city’s autonomy.
Through a groundbreaking Gazette Notice in May 2024, Nyong’o became the first Kenyan governor to transfer critical urban governance functions to an urban board.
This bold move allows Kisumu to govern itself more effectively, ensuring that urban planning, infrastructure development and service delivery are directly aligned with the city’s needs.
“On behalf of the city of Kisumu, I want to thank Governor Nyong’o for his unwavering support in securing the city’s autonomy”.
The city manager also commended the County Executive Committee Members for their instrumental role in facilitating the seamless transition of essential functions to Kisumu city saying their guidance has been crucial in ensuring the city’s readiness for this transformative revenue collection exercise.
The revenue collection initiative centers on four key areas, each crucial to Kisumu’s urban growth and prosperity.
These areas include land rates and property taxation, outdoor advertising, development and building plan approvals, and single business permits.
These revenue streams are expected to generate significant funds that will be reinvested into the city’s infrastructure, waste management, public markets and drainage networks.
The city is targeting to raise at least Sh1 billion through this initiative, which will be allocated toward accelerating development projects that directly impact the daily lives of Kisumu residents.
Wanga said the success of the revenue collection exercise is not only about generating funds but also about fostering transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance.
The city plans to utilise modern technology to automate revenue collection processes, minimise leakages and increase compliance.
Stronger enforcement mechanisms will also be introduced to ensure all revenue is collected and used for its intended purposes.
The initiative also aims to create a self-sustaining city that thrives on its own financial resources. This, Wanga noted, aligns with Kisumu’s broader vision of becoming a resilient, inclusive and smart city one that embraces sustainability, innovation and progressive governance.
“To the residents of Kisumu, we call upon you to embrace this initiative with commitment and patriotism. The greatness of a city is determined not just by its physical infrastructure but by the collective efforts of its people in shaping its destiny. Together, we have the power to build a city that stands as a beacon of urban excellence,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Wanga reinforced the idea that cities must be the driving force of innovation, sustainability, and progress.