How Bomet is Sealing Loopholes in Revenue Collection

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 22 December 2025 - Bomet Municipality’s warning over revenue imposters exposes a troubling lapse in revenue enforcement and public awareness within the county, while sharply underscoring how vulnerable local development can be when public revenue is compromised.

The case illustrates how illegal collections not only defraud traders but also directly undermine the resources needed to fund essential services.

Municipal Manager Davis Langat revealed that three individuals allegedly posed as county officials for more than three years, illegally collecting money from traders in Bomet and Sotik towns.

“They have even branded uniforms to match ours, leading the public to believe they are authorised officers,” Langat said, describing the scheme as highly sophisticated.

The longevity of the operation suggests gaps in oversight that allowed public revenue to be diverted for personal gain.

Complaints from traders over inflated “development approval” fees triggered investigations, which showed that none of the money reached county accounts.

This discovery highlights a critical consequence of revenue fraud: counties lose funds earmarked for development, while businesses shoulder unjustified costs without receiving legitimate services. Such practices distort the local economy and weaken trust between citizens and government.

Revenue collection remains the backbone of county development. Locally generated funds support infrastructure projects such as roads, markets, drainage systems, waste management and street lighting.

When these revenues are siphoned off, development plans stall or are scaled down, affecting the quality of life for residents. In Bomet’s case, the illegal collections translated into lost opportunities for service improvement and economic growth.

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Langat warned that victims of the scam are still required to meet their official tax obligations, noting, “Any money handed over to these imposters is for their personal benefit.”

While legally necessary, this reality exposes the double impact of fraud: traders lose money to criminals and may still struggle to raise funds to comply with legitimate county demands. Over time, this can discourage voluntary compliance and fuel resentment.

The reporting of the matter to the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations signals a renewed focus on revenue protection and accountability. If followed through, the investigations could restore confidence and deter similar schemes. However, enforcement alone may not be sufficient.

The incident points to the need for stronger systems, including clear identification of revenue officers, public awareness on official payment procedures, and expanded use of digital payment platforms that minimise cash handling.

Such measures not only protect revenue but also promote transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, the Bomet case serves as a reminder that revenue collection is inseparable from development. When public funds are protected and properly managed, counties are better positioned to deliver services and infrastructure. Conversely, when revenue is lost to fraud, development suffers—making the fight against imposters a crucial step toward sustainable local growth.