UPDATES
Report: Mystery of Nairobi County billions collected by firm with expired licence
The Nairobi City County government has been relying on an amorphous entity known as the Nairobi Revenue Service (NRS) controlled by a mysterious individual to collect its revenue despite the expiry of a service level agreement as a revenue service provider in September 2022.
Documents tabled before the Nairobi City County Assembly ad hoc committee investigating the issue of revenue collection indicated the contract for NRS- put in place by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) – expired in March 2022 but was extended for a further six months to September 2022.
After the expiry of the term of service in September, KRA handed over the revenue collection function to the Nairobi City County government. It is then that the devolved unit opted to retain NRS as the revenue collector for the devolved unit without any formal agreement and contractual obligations.
During the committee hearing, it also emerged that NRS is currently controlled by an unknown individual while the county executive only has access rights as a user. As user, the county can only view on a dashboard the revenue that is collected but it has no control on its collection.
The mysterious individual according to the Chief Officer for Smart Nairobi Tairus Njoroge is identified as one Benson Njoroge who is the system developer. The name of Mr Njoroge, according to committee submissions was seconded to the county government from the national government through Ministry of Information Communications and Technology (ICT). Interestingly, Mr Njoroge does not work for the ministry of ICT and the county government has never met him.
The chief officer who was being grilled by the committee led by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok said the county only contacts Mr Njoroge when the system is down. He has also never met Mr Njoroge in person.
“When we want to contact NRS, we do so through the ministry of ICT at the national government. When the system is down we formally contact the ministry of ICT to rectify the issue. The ministry gave us the contact for Benson Njoroge to inquire in case of anything,” Mr Njoroge said.
The Nairobi City County government is also currently relying on two bank accounts opened by KRA where the revenue collected is deposited.
The Finance CEC Charles Kerich in defense of the county executive clarified that the county only relies on NRS for the provision of proof of payment and that the platform does not handle the revenue collected on a daily basis by the county government.
“There is a notion that revenue collected by the county is remitted into NRS which is not true. The case is that the NRS system is a platform that is used for generating invoices and receipts and updates to show that you have paid your dues. The money itself from the customer is banked into the account of the Nairobi County government. The money does not go to NRS. All the money collected go into our two bank accounts at Cooperative Bank and Equity Bank.” Mr Kerich said.
Mr Kerich also told the committee that City Hall is currently in the process of developing its own revenue collection system through a company identified as TechnoBrain.
Mr Kerich would not however explain why the county government is still operating bank accounts opened by KRA through NRS and did not provide any proof of agreement that NRS is the principal revenue service provider for the devolved unit when required to do so by the committee.
The county government through the Smart Nairobi sector also relies on the individual for the provision of access rights to the system.
The ad hoc committee is currently investigating the underperformance of the City Hall revenue collection. Despite the automation of 135 revenue streams, the county is unable to meet its revenue targets.
The 13-member committee has 60 days to table its report before the Nairobi City County Assembly.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.