Murang’a: Murang’a County Assembly has adopted a report urging the County Government to provide digital gadgets to facilitate paperless operations within the Assembly.

According to Kenya News Agency, the report was prepared by the committee for ICT and E-government and was presented on the floor of the House. The MCAs argued that with the provision of digital gadgets, the Assembly would enhance its oversight responsibilities.

The chairperson of the committee, Moses Mirara, explained that the county government of Murang’a had already digitized key services, particularly in revenue collection and health sectors. He emphasized that the Assembly should not be excluded from this digital transition and should operate without paper.

The report also proposed that all revenue collectors working for the county administration be equipped with internet-connected gadgets to facilitate revenue collection. The MCAs highlighted that the introduction of the automation system has helped prevent manipulation of public resources and protect public land.

In land management, the digital system provides a platform for automated generation and secure storage of development application registers. Gitugi MCA Edwin Wairagu, while seconding the motion, stated that the committee for ICT recommends the digital system be implemented countywide to improve services and prevent the encroachment of public utilities.

The report also mentioned that since the introduction of automation two years ago, revenue collection increased during the 2023/2024 financial year, with the county government collecting Sh1 billion in its own source revenue. The digitalization has facilitated revenue collection from parking fees, hospital bills, quarry fees, and business permits.

However, the Assembly noted that internet downtime disrupts and inconveniences customers and county government operations. It recommended continuous improvements to the automation system to address these challenges. An improved system would also enhance the capacity to handle large amounts of data efficiently.