Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Pushes for Stronger County Revenue Systems at Nairobi Conference

 Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adam has called for accelerated reforms to strengthen county revenue systems, emphasizing that financial sustainability is central to the success of Kenya’s devolution agenda.

Speaking during the 3rd Own Source Revenue (OSR) Growth Conference held in Nairobi, Governor Nathif highlighted the need for counties to move beyond traditional revenue collection methods and adopt more modern, transparent, and efficient systems. He noted that Own Source Revenue is not only a technical function but also a governance priority that depends heavily on public trust, accountability, and institutional efficiency.

The Governor appeared alongside other county leaders, including Ahmed Abdullahi, in discussions focused on improving fiscal performance across devolved units. The forum brought together policymakers, development partners, and technical experts to explore strategies for expanding counties’ revenue bases.

Governor Nathif emphasized reforms in land administration systems, modernization of valuation rolls, and the integration of digital revenue collection platforms as key steps toward reducing leakages and improving efficiency. He also pointed to urbanization as an opportunity for counties to broaden their revenue streams while enhancing service delivery to residents.

He further underscored the importance of collaboration between national and county governments, as well as partnerships with the private sector, in achieving sustainable revenue growth. According to him, long-term progress in devolution will depend on shared responsibility and coordinated reforms.

The Garissa Governor’s remarks positioned him among county leaders advocating for practical, system-focused solutions to fiscal challenges, as counties continue to grapple with the demands of financial independence and improved public service delivery.