Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has been challenged by locals to clarify how increased tax revenues are translating into tangible development projects in the County.
The calls for transparency come after the governor recently announced a significant rise in revenue collection over the past financial year.
In a statement shared on her social media platforms, Mbarire highlighted the impressive financial performance of the county, noting that tax revenues had surged by 10% compared to the previous fiscal year.
“We collected Sh746.2 million in the financial year 2023/24 against our target of Sh750 million. This is the highest revenue collection in Embu County in the 12 years of devolution. It is also a 10 percent improvement from the Sh666.7 million in the 2022/23,” she posted.
However, the announcement has sparked a wave of questions from residents and followers, who are eager to understand how these funds are being utilized to improve infrastructure and public services.
“Telling us how much was collected without telling us how it was spent is very little information that’s not helpful to the people,” said Robbert Mwathaita, her Facebook follower.
Another follower, Wawira Njue expressed concerns about the lack of visible progress.
“We are moving in the right direction in matters relating to revenue collection. However, we can’t see what the money has done in matters of development. We need to know where the money is,” said Wawira.
Below are more comments requesting the county government to show how the collected revenue has been reciprocated to development in the County.
@Nthiga Sammy Ndwiga wrote
Is this money reflected on the ground in terms of development?
How I wish you could show us debit and credit side instead of this political statements.
Congratulations on this. However, the challenge is not on collection but on accountability of all the money collected. This is both at the county and National government.
Now explain to the people of Embu how you plan to spend the taxes collected and be ready to be held accountable in case of misappropriations and misuse.
Either, some followers have praised the move that has seen the tax increase.
@Mukangu Junior wrote
Congratulations her Excellency. ECRA board doing it right 
….. 2024/2025 to hit 1 billion target. God is supreme. Kavinda ni Gaka.
In the post, Mbarire said with an enhanced revenue management system and commitment, the county targets to collect Sh 900 million in the financial year 2024/25.
Late last year, the controller of the budget reported that 10 governors including Cecily Mbarire of Embu failed to spend on growth programs during the first quarter of 2023/24.
READ ALSO: Embu residents decry leadership’s alleged developmental stagnation
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