The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning undertook an approval hearing for the nominee for the position of Chairperson, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) ,CPA Mary Wanyonyi.

During the hearing, Members pointed out that given the shrinking revenues collected by the National Government for sharing between the two levels of government, counties need to intensify their efforts for their own revenue collection to support their programmes. 

Asked about her plans in regard revenue collection should she be approved for the position, Ms. Wanyonyi told the Committee that her success at the State Department of Lands -where she is spearheading the  Ardhisasa program- and other government agencies she has served in before had given her confidence that she fits the bill for the position.

“Hon. Members, I would not apply for such a position if I knew I was not prepared for it. Secondly, at the State Department of Lands, we have managed to generate revenue beyond our targets multiple times since we decided to automate revenue collection", said Ms. Wanyonyi.

She added that automation of revenue collection promotes accountability and ensures optimal collection.

“Mr. Chairman,  we  need to develop a legal framework for revenue collection, and develop capacity among officers to collect optimal revenue. If I am offered a chance to serve in this position, I will focus on developing the capacity for county governments to accelerate their own revenue generation”, she said.

The Session also saw Members delve in the matter of the Equalization Fund and the policy guideline that identifies marginalized areas that should benefit from the Fund. Asked to state her views on the Fund, Ms. Wanyonyi told legislators that her proposal is that the Fund would be more impactful if managed by County governments as opposed to being implemented by the National Government. 

Addressing the matter of pending bills, the nominee pointed out that to instil effective budgeting and to avert a situation where projects not captured in the budget plans are implemented , the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act that place such bills as the first charge in the next financial year, should be enforced. 

The Committee will prepare a report on the suitability of Ms. Wanyonyi for the position. The report will be tabled in the House for debate.