Nyeri adopts electronic cash handling to minimise fraud
Ms Eva Murage prepares her stand at Chaka open-air market, Nyeri County on April 20, 2014. Except for cess, parking, stock and market fees, traders in the county will start paying taxes through Equity Bank. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI
What you need to know:
- County executive member in charge of finance Martin Wamwea confirmed that members of the public have been advised to start using the new platform,
- However, cess, parking, stock and market fees will continue to be paid through the old system until further notice
Nyeri County has rolled out cashless revenue collection.
Starting this week, transactions will be handled electronically through Equity Bank after the lender entered into an agreement with the county last month to collect its revenues.
The new revenue collection system will enhance accountability and reduce cases of fraud, the Nation learned. It will also ease operations by consolidating collections and payments for all the Nyeri county residents into one collection account.
County executive member in charge of finance Martin Wamwea confirmed that members of the public have been advised to start using the new platform, “in order to minimise risks associated with handling cash.”
He said the bank has designated counters for the county and one can also pay through Equity agents within the devolved unit.
MOBILE BANKING
Wananchi were also advised to visit their sub-county offices to get payment bills to assist in depositing the funds.
However, cess, parking, stock and market fees will continue to be paid through the old system until further notice.
Bankslips for all payments will be forwarded to the respective sub-county revenue offices for issuance of official receipt after 24 hours, he said.
Through the partnership, Equity Bank will put its technological muscle to work in making revenue collection efficient.
The channels to be used include the bank’s mobile banking platform, Eazzy 247, Equity agents, point-of-sale terminals where traders can pay by swiping or tapping their cards, Equity Bank branches and the lender’s ATMs.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua said they were seeking a financial partner to help them enhance revenue collection.
“Through a competitive process, we approved Equity Bank as the most viable partner due to its customised collection solution,” the governor said.
Different revenue streams in the county include parking and market fees, land rates and rents, single business permits and hiring of county facilities.
The bank’s chief operating officer Julius Kipng’etich said, “Equity Bank was committed to championing convenience in revenue collection for counties.”
This, he said, is why they have invested in a tailor-made revenue collection solution, which the bank believes will enhance payment of levies through their elaborate service delivery channels.
