Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has thrown his full weight behind an ambitious drive to collect Sh707 million in own source revenue during the current financial year, signalling strong confidence in the county’s fiscal future.
Delivering his fourth State of the County Address to the County Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Otuoma revealed that Busia has already crossed the historic half-billion mark, posting an impressive Sh509 million in locally generated funds.
The governor described the performance as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to financial self-reliance.
Strong First-Quarter Momentum Builds Confidence
“For the current financial year, we have set an ambitious target of Sh707 million, and with a strong first-quarter performance of Sh235 million, we are firmly on course to achieve and possibly surpass this goal,” Otuoma declared.
He credited the remarkable results to a series of deliberate institutional reforms designed to unlock Busia County’s full revenue potential, estimated at approximately Sh2 billion by independent bodies including the Commission on Revenue Allocation and the Office of the Controller of Budget.
Strategic Reforms Strengthen Revenue Systems
The governor singled out the County Assembly Committee on Finance and Economic Planning for its proactive and constructive collaboration with county officers.
“I particularly commend the County Assembly Committee on Finance and Economic Planning for its proactive and constructive engagement with my officers,” he said.
Building on this partnership, the executive and the assembly have endorsed far-reaching structural changes.
These include the creation of an Independent Revenue Department and the Busia County Own Source Revenue Inter-Departmental Coordination Framework.
The new institutions are expected to entrench integrity, professionalism, transparency and efficiency across all revenue streams.
At the heart of the transformation lies the complete rollout of a cashless payment system.
Governor Otuoma emphasised that this digital shift will effectively seal long-standing leakages and eliminate systemic weaknesses that have hindered optimal collection in the past.
Consistent Growth Marks Steady Progress
Revenue figures under the current administration tell a compelling story of sustained improvement.
Collections have risen steadily from Sh292 million to Sh392 million, then to Sh400 million, and now stand at Sh509 million.
This consistent upward trajectory reflects the impact of focused leadership and targeted policy interventions.
Vision for Full Revenue Potential
Looking ahead, Governor Otuoma expressed unwavering optimism. “I am confident that Busia County will realise its full revenue potential by the close of the next financial year,” he stated.
The enhanced own source revenue is expected to provide critical resources for improved service delivery, infrastructure development and better livelihoods for residents across the county.
With the first-quarter results already exceeding expectations and comprehensive reforms now taking root, Busia County appears well positioned to turn its ambitious Sh707 million target into reality and set a new benchmark for prudent financial management in the region.
Share This Post