Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has appealed for the automation of revenue collection by the county government.

Cheruiyot argues that the county has been missing its revenue targets due to the corruption resulting from the handling of cash.

Speaking in Kericho town, he says payments for various national government services have been digitized and there was no reason for the county to lag behind.

“Automation will help curb corruption and enable the county meet its target. We have been seeing revenue officers collecting revenue and putting money in their pockets. Such outdated acts must come to an end,” he noted.

He told the county assembly majority whip Aaron Rotich to move a motion to amend the County Finance Bill within two weeks to allow for the change.

Cheruiyot also rooted for the centralization of revenue from the various sources, adding that he and the local Mcas, will continue playing their role of keeping the executive on check.

“Revenue from various sources should be directed to one centralized account. I and these MCAs have a duty of holding the county to account and we shall perform this role with all commitment and without fear,” added Cheruiyot.

Governor Erick Mutai admitted that although revenue has increased, there were still loopholes as far as collection is concerned.

Mutai however assured that measures were being put in place to seal the loopholes, further appealing for cooperation from local residents to achieve the goal.

“Although revenue collected has gone up since I took office, we still have loopholes here and there. I ask members of the public where they feel there leakages to volunteer information,” he said, adding “Am happy there is a committee which is looking on the division of revenue and we are looking forward for their report so that we put all these together and build a better county”.