In a groundbreaking shift aimed at boosting efficiency and reducing revenue losses, Meru County has adopted a cashless system to collect payments for various services. The Meru County Revenue Board (MCRB), spearheaded by CEO Edward Macharia, is overseeing this digitization initiative, which is expected to revolutionize how the county generates income.
According to Macharia, the move could triple the county’s revenue to KSh 1 billion annually, once all 24 income streams are fully digitized. Among the services being automated are parking fees, business permits, land rates, hospital fees, and alcoholic drink licenses. The goal is to enhance transparency and accountability by ensuring that all transactions are traceable in real-time.
One of the standout features of this system is the ability for users to make payments via a simple USSD code, eliminating the need for manual processes that have traditionally led to significant revenue leakage. “With real-time monitoring, the system will reduce revenue leakages and provide accurate data on collections,” Macharia explained(NTVKenya)(Citizen Digital).
A critical area of focus for the county is land rates, with MCRB currently owed over KSh 500 million. The digital platform will allow for better tracking of defaulters and ease enforcement, making it easier to recover these debts. In addition to land rates, full automation is expected to significantly boost collections from hospital fees and licenses for alcoholic drinks, both of which have traditionally faced challenges due to manual inefficiencies.
The cashless initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the county’s operations and improve service delivery. With the inclusion of other income streams such as advertising fees, branding charges, and distribution licenses, Meru County is poised to enhance its financial base, providing more funds for development projects and services(Citizen Digital)(Business Daily Africa).
As the county embarks on this digital transformation, residents and business owners are urged to familiarize themselves with the new system, which is expected to greatly improve efficiency and public service.
This move could serve as a model for other counties in Kenya, demonstrating how technology can be leveraged to enhance governance and financial accountability.
