By Samson Wire
SIAYA COUNTY FULLY EMBRACES CBK ONLINE BANKING PLATFORM FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL TRAINING
The County Government of Siaya is set to fully transition all its financial payments and expenditures to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Online Banking (OLB) platform, following a comprehensive training session for county executives held today.
The Department of Finance and Economic Planning announced that all bills, recurrent and development expenditures will now be processed exclusively through the digital platform, which the National Treasury introduced for enhanced financial management on 25th August 2025.
The Online Banking platform enables authorized users to manage accounts, view balances, pay bills, and transfer funds securely via an internet browser hosted by the CBK. Key thematic areas covered during the training included client onboarding, account management, system navigation, troubleshooting, and feedback mechanisms. The system is already in use by state corporations, agencies, and both national and county governments.
Security and verification standards form a core part of the platform. Transactions require compliance measures such as QR code scanning for signatures, with full acceptance into the system depending on dual signatories—including a Chief Officer—for key accounts like the County Revenue Fund (CRF). The platform is flexible, supports expanded user access, allows transaction visibility, and manages revenue and municipal accounts across the county.
Training objectives focused on improving proficiency in system navigation, providing support and troubleshooting skills, and addressing operational challenges. Participants learned account opening procedures, which require selecting the correct industry and products, uploading tax support documents strictly in PDF format, and enabling amendments where necessary. CRF accounts carry grants based on Controller of Budget allocations; once funds are merged, they are transferred to authorized accounts for same-day use. Used accounts must be closed through a structured six-stage process.
The system features a user-friendly dashboard displaying account details, pending items, and balances. Security safeguards automatically block accounts in cases of user error. Official email requests must originate from verified County Government of Siaya addresses. County governments that fail to comply with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) agency notices face surcharges on recurrent expenditures as provided by law.
While the platform is designed to be simple for authorized users, the training addressed existing challenges such as knowledge gaps, CRF processing delays, account opening issues, and the requirement for signatory letters supported by proper documentation. For optimal access, the system can be downloaded via the HID-approved app using mobile data rather than Wi-Fi.
In addition, the CBK team briefed county officials on money market investment opportunities, including the purchase of Treasury bills and bonds.
The County Government of Siaya was represented by Acting County Secretary Elizabeth Adongo; Chief Officers Hon. Walter Okelo (Governance and Administration), Hon. Jared Abayo (Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources), Michael Oliech (Trade, Enterprise, Industry and Cooperatives), and Dr. Omondi Owino (Health and Sanitation); Director of Finance Mrs. Christine Okoth (also Acting Chief Officer for Finance and Economic Planning); Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Peter Ligulu; representatives from the Siaya, Bondo, and Ugunja Municipalities; and IFMIS officers from the County Treasury.
The CBK training team was led by Veronica Chika and included Eunice Sapuko, Maureen Mwambui, Geffine Muhandachi, and Collins Aligula.
This training marks a critical step in strengthening financial governance, transparency, and accountability within the County Government of Siaya. By equipping officers with the necessary skills to operate the Online Banking platform effectively, the county positions itself to achieve greater efficiency in public fund management, reduce processing delays, enhance compliance with national financial regulations, and ultimately deliver improved services to the people of Siaya through prudent and modernized fiscal practices.
