The Senate ICT Committee has praised Kiambu County for creating a homegrown Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that has significantly improved revenue collection and service delivery.
During an oversight visit, the Committee, led by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, noted that Kiambu’s revenue had grown from Sh2.9 billion in 2021 to Sh5.4 billion in the 2023/24 financial year after rolling out the system. Senator Chesang said the project showed how counties could use technology to strengthen financial management and curb revenue leakages.
“What we have witnessed here is commendable. Kiambu is leading the way in showing how counties can own and run systems that improve transparency and efficiency,” he said.
The senators, however, flagged some gaps. Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who tested the *476# USSD parking payment option, reported delays in processing and warned that such failures could frustrate citizens. Nominated Senator Beatrice Akinyi raised concern over delayed Social Health Authority reimbursements, with Governor Kimani Wamatangi confirming the county is owed about Sh700 million.
Data security was also a key concern. Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian asked about safeguards against cyber threats. Finance CECM Nancy Kirumba assured the Committee that Kiambu has two mirrored data centres in Thika and Kiambu, with regular audits, backups, and a disaster recovery plan.
Governor Wamatangi said the ERP cost Sh230 million, covering software, hardware, and the two data centres. He clarified that only Sh52 million has been paid so far, as payments are tied to successful testing of modules. He further stressed that Kiambu fully owns the system and its source code to avoid dependency on vendors.
The ERP integrates multiple services including revenue collection, health management, parking, land approvals, liquor licensing, bursaries, and fleet management—making it one of the most advanced county systems in Kenya.
The senators encouraged other counties to benchmark with Kiambu, with Senator Chesang noting: “What we have seen here is not just about revenue collection. It is about service delivery, transparency, and planning for the future.”
Governor Wamatangi added that the county is working on continuous upgrades, including training staff, setting up ICT hubs for youth, and launching a Kiambu Citizen Card and online portal for easier service access.
The Senate ICT Committee said Kiambu’s example would be included in its upcoming report on county revenue systems, with recommendations for scaling up such innovations across the country.
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