Siaya responds after being ranked lowest in own revenue collection
By Eric Juma, September 21, 2025The County Government of Siaya has dismissed the Controller of Budget’s (COB) ranking that placed the county among the lowest performers, insisting that its revenue collection has been misrepresented.
Speaking during a meeting, the County Secretary Joseph Ogutu said the county collected Ksh946 million in Own Source Revenue (OSR) for FY 2024/2025, contrary to the COB’s reported Ksh436.6 million.
He noted that the figures are verifiable and submitted to both the Auditor General and the COB. “These numbers reflect the true status of our revenue performance as of June 30, 2025,” he said.
Ogutu further urged the COB to correct its report and ensure future publications accurately reflect Siaya’s financial standing. He added that hospital fees, which generated Ksh643.1 million, and single business permits, contributing Ksh151.5 million, were the largest revenue sources, highlighting the county’s strong performance despite earlier rankings.
Elsewhere, Siaya MP Samuel Atandi warned of economic fallout if Jaramongi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology is moved.
Set high target
Finance officials also stressed that automation and new revenue streams included in the pending Finance Bill, coupled with contributions from new municipalities, Siaya, Ugunja, and Bondo, will further strengthen collections.
“We are optimistic that the systems and reforms will help us achieve Ksh3.1 billion in FY 2025/2026,” one official said.
Governance Chief Officer Walter Okello added that the county believes in its capacity to achieve the set target. “We shall actualise the collection of the revenue target. Everything is possible with the mechanisms we have put in place,” he said.
The COB had previously reported that Siaya’s OSR accounted for only 6 per cent of the national equitable share. Officials countered that the county’s actual collection represented 90.6 per cent of the projected target, reflecting modest growth compared to FY 2023/2024.
Siaya’s administration insists that accurate reporting is essential for transparency and for the county to qualify for development programs such as KDSP II. The county remains committed to strengthening its financial systems while improving service delivery to residents.