Mombasa County has recorded a strong performance in own-source revenue collection, reaching KSh4.8 billion in the latest financial year, up from KSh4.5 billion in the previous year and KSh3.9 billion in 2022/23.
The growth reflects a gradual improvement in revenue mobilization efforts despite ongoing challenges in key revenue streams.
Strong Growth in Revenue Collection
Appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir attributed the improved performance to enhanced revenue systems, stricter enforcement measures, and better financial management practices.
He emphasized that the county achieved the increased revenue without introducing new taxes or levies, instead relying on strengthening existing collection mechanisms.
Land Rates and Cess Still Underperforming
Despite the overall growth, several revenue streams continue to underperform, particularly land rates and cess collections.
The county collected KSh883 million in land rates against a target of KSh1.4 billion, highlighting a significant shortfall.
Cess collections also fell below expectations, recording KSh520 million against a projected KSh780 million.
County officials attributed the gaps to enforcement challenges, public resistance to payments, and operational inefficiencies in collection systems.
Digital Push to Improve Compliance
To address the shortfalls, the county government is implementing a series of reforms aimed at improving compliance and widening the tax base.
These include digitising land records, reviewing the valuation roll, and mapping businesses through a digital registration system.
Officials say the digital transformation programme is expected to enhance transparency, improve compliance, and boost future revenue performance.
Outlook
Mombasa County says it remains committed to strengthening its revenue systems while balancing economic activity and public service delivery.
The county expects that ongoing reforms will help close existing gaps and further increase own-source revenue in the coming financial years.
