Mombasa County has recorded a steady rise in own-source revenue, collecting KSh4.8 billion in the latest financial year, up from KSh4.5 billion the previous year and KSh3.9 billion in 2022/23.

The growth comes despite persistent challenges affecting key revenue streams.

Appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir credited the increase to improved revenue collection systems, stronger enforcement, and prudent financial management, insisting the county achieved the gains without introducing new levies.

However, land rates and cess collections continue to lag behind targets.

The county collected KSh883 million in land rates against a Sh1.4 billion target, while cess revenue reached KSh520 million against a projected KSh780 million.

Officials attributed the shortfalls to enforcement hurdles, public resistance, and operational disruptions.

To boost future collections, the county is digitising land records, reviewing its valuation roll, and mapping businesses through a digital registration programme aimed at widening the tax base and improving compliance across Mombasa.