Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has expressed no objection to political leaders from outside the county visiting Machakos.
However, she emphasised that those seeking the attention of the Kamba community should engage meaningfully with local residents.
“I have no issue with anyone coming to Machakos. But when they do, let them bring valuable gifts—things that can improve the lives of our people,” Ndeti said.
She made these remarks during an AIC church fundraiser held at Katoloni Primary School in Machakos county on Sunday.
Ndeti welcomed leaders from outside Machakos to visit, engage with the locals, distribute any gifts they bring, and then return peacefully to their places of origin.
“We can reflect at home after they have left, consider what they offered, and decide what we truly want,” she added.
Ndeti also urged the Kamba community to remain loyal to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and support his presidential bid for 2027.
She called for unity and political consistency among the Kamba people ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“Loyalty is key. Let us stand firmly behind our son, Kalonzo Musyoka, and give him our full support in his quest to lead the country,” Ndeti emphasised.
She reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development and reminded residents of her previous mobilisation efforts and tangible contributions to the community.
“I will be donating gas cookers to assist families still reliant on firewood, helping them transition to safer and more efficient cooking methods,” Ndeti announced.
At the same time, she highlighted a significant breakthrough in the county’s Own Source Revenue (OSR) collection, which has risen to Sh2 billion this financial year.
“For the first time since the inception of devolution, we have increased our Own Source Revenue to a record KSh 2 billion in the current financial year. This achievement is thanks to various reforms we have implemented to transform our revenue management systems,” Ndeti said.
She explained that through transformative leadership, comprehensive county-wide revenue mapping, and sealing of all revenue leakages, Machakos has recorded steady OSR growth since the 2022/23 financial year.
“When I assumed office in 2022, our Own Source Revenue was KSh 1.1 billion. We increased it to KSh 1.45 billion in the following year, and now we have reached KSh 2 billion—the highest ever,” she noted.
According to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), Machakos county has the potential to collect up to Sh6 billion annually in Own Source Revenue.
Reforms introduced by Ndeti’s administration to streamline the revenue sector include automation of all county payment systems, digitisation of revenue collection, revenue mapping, and strict enforcement of revenue management discipline.
“Those who oppose me are bitter because I dismantled corruption networks, especially in the revenue sector. I will not stop; I will tighten the bolts further to secure public resources,” she declared.
Among the areas that recorded improved revenue growth, according to the governor, was the health sector.
“In my first year, we collected only Sh31 million in health revenues. That figure has since grown to Sh 230 million and now stands at Sh600 million following the full automation of all health revenue streams,” Ndeti revealed.
She said her administration has secured all health revenues to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services.
Ndeti vowed not to be deterred by critics seeking to distract her from her agenda to improve the county.
“I have a stake in Machakos and a duty to protect public interests. My aim is to set high standards that will become the benchmark for my successors,” she concluded.
by GEORGE OWITI
