For counties across Kenya, financial independence is key to delivering better services and planning effectively for development. Yet, many counties still rely heavily on national government transfers, limiting their ability to address local needs. The solution lies in strengthening Own Source Revenue (OSR) systems.

Accountability Institute has worked with counties like Kakamega to improve how revenue is collected and managed. From setting up professional revenue agencies to training teams on accountability and efficiency, we’ve seen counties boost their revenue collection significantly — in some cases by over 200% within a year.

With higher OSR, counties can invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical services without waiting for national allocations. It also builds public trust, as residents see tangible benefits from taxes and fees collected locally. For counties to thrive, managing their own resources effectively is a game-changer.