The Kwale County Government has introduced a digital Revenue Management System (RMS) aimed at revolutionizing the collection of county fees and enhancing service delivery for local residents and business owners.
The new system, which digitizes the payment of business licenses, land rates, parking fees, market stall rent, and extraction permits, is part of a broader effort by the county to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and eliminate the challenges associated with manual payment systems.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said the digitization of revenue collection will not only ease the burden on business owners but also strengthen the local economy through increased compliance and streamlined service delivery.
“For many years, businesspeople and landowners in Kwale had to travel long distances to the county headquarters in Kwale town to pay fees and obtain permits,” she said. “This often meant lost business hours, long queues, and frustration. The new system now brings these services closer to the people.”
Governor Achani added that the system currently caters to over 14,000 registered business owners, who can now make payments conveniently via Paybill number 338500.
“The RMS supports payments for business permits, parking, sand and mineral extraction licenses, market stall rents, and land rates,” she noted.
According to Fauzia Mwaiwe, a revenue clerk in Kwale County, the system also allows users to monitor pending payments and access their records through the RMS portal.
“Previously, traders had to travel from areas like Shimba Hills, Lukore, and Samburu to Kwale town just to make payments,” said Mwaiwe. “The process was costly, time-consuming, and inefficient. With the new system, everything is a few clicks away.”
To improve accessibility, the county government has devolved the system to sub-counties including Matuga, Kinango, Samburu, and Lungalunga, enabling residents to access services closer to their homes.
Robert Nguma, Kwale’s County ICT Officer, elaborated on the system’s functionality.
“Whether you’re in Kwale or elsewhere in Kenya, just type ‘Kwale Pay’ on Google, click on ‘Kwale E-pay’, fill in your details, and you’ll have full access to the platform,” he explained.
Local business owners have welcomed the system. Bakari Menza, a businessman from the county, recounted the previous difficulties.
“I had to travel all the way to Kwale and queue for hours with people from across the county. Now, everything is faster and simpler,” he said.
Zuhura Mohammed, a landowner, and Binti Rashid, a local trader, praised the county for easing access to business services.
“We thank Governor Achani for making our work easier,” said Binti. “Now, once you pay, your receipt is sent directly to your email — no more office visits or long queues.”