Meru Government automates tax collection to raise revenue, curb corruption

By Gerald Mutethia

Meru deputy governor Rev. Mutuma M’ethingia has urged the business community to endear paying taxes and avoid the incitement by politicians not to render.

This will enable Revenue collection officers to be accountable for any revenue collected and aid the fight against corruption.

Mutuma was speaking at the County headquarters when he issued a shipment of POS machines to the Meru County Revenue Board on behalf of Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

“We have been getting very little revenue and the governor has promised to double the collection. Our officers are hardworking and a very motivated team. We have had inadequate gadgets. Those who are not paying taxes are letting us down and delaying developments to Mwananchi. Do not be incited by the retrogressive politics,” Mutuma said.

Mwangaza’s administration aspires to double revenue collection by allowing Revenue officers further skills and incentives to win their trust.

Kawira’s automation means traders will pay directly to county government accounts through the machines and there is no anticipation of misuse.

He said the machines had been availed at the right time and the officers will now be going to shops and markets for traders to pay their taxes.

Last year, the Meru County government under Governor Kiraitu Murungi collected Sh435 million in revenues compared to the previous year when it collected Sh389 million.

The former regime attributed the achievement to the modernization of towns, expansion of infrastructure, creation of dust-free towns and markets, and town management boards among other measures.