Machakos County Finance executive Onesmus Kuyu has sounded a warning to individuals involved in siphoning county revenue through dubious dealings that it will not be business as usual.

Speaking at Kinanie Chief’s camp in Mavoko during a citizen engagement forum on the 2024/25 Annual Development Plan (ADP), the Executive Committee Member declared Governor Wavinya’s administration will not tolerate activities that jeopardize revenue integrity without which delivery of services will be compromised.

“I am sending a stern warning to crooks that are involved in plundering county revenue. Time has come for you to shape up or ship out. Public money will not be misused and we will stop at nothing to ensure nobody puts their hands in the Machakos cookie jar,” declared Kuyu.

The minister pointed out that the county’s revenue growth has been on an upward trajectory under the leadership of governor Wavinya, citing the implementation of austerity measures and finance management systems introduced by the governor.

He said residents were already appreciating the fact that numerous development projects were being undertaken across the county as a result of the increased capacity of county revenue.

“Many of these projects were made possible as a result of revenue increment. When Governor assumed office, Own Source Revenue was about sh 1 billion. But as at last Financial Year, we have hit sh 1.7 billion even without imposing new taxes on wananchi,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Youth, Sports and Social Welfare executive, John Kilonzo who defended governor Wavinya’s approach of citizen engagement, saying it had yielded public confidence in her leadership.

“If the governor undertakes at least  seven out ten projects in every five years across each of the 40 Wards, it means that by the end of 10 years, she will have completed a great percentage of what citizens wished for. It is important to note that in public participation it is citizens who originate with the development agenda,” said Kilonzo.