Migori: A United Kingdom (UK) High Commission to Kenya delegation led by Jinal Shah, the First Secretary, Political, has said they will continue to engage and discuss with counties to ensure devolution is strengthened. Shah, who spoke during a courtesy call to Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, said that the UK will continue to strengthen ties with countries to make devolution work even better.
According to Kenya News Agency, Shah disclosed that it was important to visit Migori to understand the challenges of devolution and the county's economic priorities, plans, and frameworks. Shah affirmed that Migori has great opportunities in the economic sector, adding that it will be a great investment opportunity for the county, particularly with the potential investment conference that may happen next year in Kenya.
He noted that the UK would continue to hold key engagements and discussions in giving support and further opportunities and ties for the Britain, Kenya, and County governments. Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko said that the discussion engagement had a high possibility of Britain supporting Migori to improve on-source revenue collection.
Ochilo, who admitted that the county's on-source revenue collection has not been doing well, disclosed that the county has a potential of collecting over a billion shillings in a financial year. According to Ochilo, the county has been collecting on-source revenue that currently stands below Sh 600 million. He said that with the support of Britain in the areas of capacity building, technology, and regulatory revenue framework, the county will improve revenue collection for its coffers.
Ochilo also pointed out that counties need on-source revenue, national government equitable revenue shares, and support from development partners both international and local to make devolution work better. He emphasized that the discussions also centered on cooperation at the Micro Level between Britain and Migori County, with programs and priorities in the areas of agriculture, water, and health.
The County boss thanked the British government for their continued support to Kenya and counties in trying to address some of the challenges facing the Kenyan people.