Kisumu County Government in collaboration with Safaricom has unveiled the Integrated County Revenue Management System (ICRMS), marking a transformative shift in how residents access and pay for diverse county services.
This cashless system introduced by Governor Anyang Nyong’o, not only pledges heightened transparency and accessibility but also endeavors to substantially fortify Own Source Resource (OSR) collection.
Governor Nyong’o, expressing confidence in attaining the county’s revenue target of KES 2.2 billion through this new integrated and automated system, stated, “We hope to collect the county’s potential target of KES 2.2 billion and build on that next year with this innovative approach, co-created with Safaricom.” He highlighted the platform’s seamless and user-friendly design during the launch at City Hall.
The ICRMS introduces the Ushuru Centre, a contact and call center aiding county revenue staff in promptly addressing citizen concerns. The GIS Data Integration Capability maps all revenue sources for organized and efficient service delivery, particularly for structured revenue streams.
Smartphones, leveraging advanced technology, play a pivotal role in revenue collection, functioning seamlessly both online and offline. Following successful pilot testing for Unstructured Revenue Streams, the system has been extended to various sectors, including Markets, Town Parking, Bus Park, Cess, and Stock Rings. Plans are underway to incorporate additional services like Unified Business Permit, Advertisements, Plan Approvals, and Rates.
Cynthia Kropac, Safaricom’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, highlighted, “The innovative platform will support various revenue services, reducing queues and wait times at the county offices.” The Kenyan-made system ensures real-time integration with payment channels like MPESA and banks, aligning with Safaricom’s commitment to driving digital transformation for efficient service delivery.
The ICRMS not only streamlines revenue collection but also incorporates transparency features, offering real-time updates on revenue collection and usage. This enhances accountability and trust between citizens and the county government, reflecting Safaricom’s broader mission to empower businesses and government entities through digital solutions.
East Africa Device Assembly Kenya Limited has joined the initiative, providing smartphones securely managed for dedicated revenue collectors. This end-to-end support ensures these devices are purpose-fit for effective revenue collection services.
Public sensitization is underway, stressing the importance of discipline and commitment among county staff for the successful implementation of this innovative system. Governor Nyong’o appealed to taxpayers for support in meeting targets and ensuring the integrity of the system.
