- Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has defended the Ksh4 million annual meal budget for county revenue collectors.
- She explained that the allocation supports workers who begin their duties as early as 4 a.m. under tough conditions.
- The spending came under scrutiny in the Senate, but Waiguru insists it is necessary despite tax digitization.
- The debate has divided opinion, with some backing the move while others question county spending priorities.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has strongly defended her administration’s decision to allocate Ksh4 million annually to provide meals for county revenue collectors, dismissing criticism over the spending.
Speaking on Thursday, Waiguru clarified that the amount covers a full year and is essential for supporting the officials, who endure long working hours to ensure efficient revenue collection across the county.
“That Ksh4 million they are questioning is the budget for an entire year. These officers are on duty as early as 4 a.m. when lorries arrive at the markets. They are crucial in helping us meet revenue targets, and I see nothing wrong with ensuring they have breakfast. I have no regrets about it,” Waiguru asserted.
Why the Budget Was Questioned
The spending came under scrutiny during a Senate Public Accounts Committee hearing, where Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ raised concerns about the necessity of maintaining revenue enforcement officers when tax collection had already been digitized.
Kajwang’ questioned whether the county should still invest in physical enforcement when digital systems are already in place to streamline tax collection.
Waiguru’s Response to Critics
The governor, however, dismissed the concerns, insisting that while digitization is valuable, human enforcement remains necessary to ensure compliance and maximize county revenue.
“The fact that we have digitized revenue collection does not mean we no longer need officers on the ground. Their presence is key in ensuring compliance,” she maintained.
The issue has sparked mixed reactions among Kirinyaga residents. Some have backed the governor, arguing that the meal program is a fair incentive for county workers who operate under difficult conditions. Others, however, feel the funds could be better utilized for pressing development projects.
As the debate rages on, Waiguru remains firm in her stance, insisting that the county’s revenue officers deserve basic support to perform their duties effectively.
