Meru County embraces digitisation to enhance revenue collection

Meru County has intensified its shift toward digital governance by automating all its revenue streams in an ambitious drive aimed at sealing loopholes and boosting collections. According to Meru County Revenue Board (MCRB) Chief Executive Officer Edward Macharia, the county expects its annual revenue to rise significantly—potentially tripling to Sh1 billion—once all 24 income streams fully transition to a cashless system. The upgraded platform already supports real-time monitoring of payments and staff activity, with residents now able to pay parking fees, business permits, cess, and other charges via a USSD code.
Speaking during an update on the digitisation project, Macharia noted that one of the major focus areas is automating land and plot rates, which have long been handled manually and remain among the county’s most problematic revenue lines. He explained that the process will only be completed after the lands department finalises the updated valuation roll, a key requirement for accurate billing. The county is currently owed more than Sh500 million in unpaid land rates, largely because enforcement has been difficult without a modernised system. Last financial year, Meru’s own-source revenue—including hospital fees and alcoholic drinks licenses—stood at Sh1.03 billion, and officials believe the digitised system will provide the accuracy and transparency needed to surpass this figure.
Local traders have welcomed the shift, saying it will save them both time and money. Businesswoman Janice Kainyu praised the initiative, noting that merchants previously spent an entire day travelling to Meru town just to renew business permits. With cashless payments, she says, services will be faster and more accessible, boosting compliance and overall collections. County officials expect the increased revenue to translate into improved public services and more development projects across Meru. As the valuation roll nears completion and full automation takes shape, the county anticipates a future marked by stronger financial discipline, reduced leakages, and a more efficient relationship between citizens and government.