USAID's Kabul City Initiative (KCI) Promotes Responsible Citizenship

KCI works closely with the Kabul Municipality to develop public information campaigns that emphasize the importance of tax revenue in delivering improved city services. The most recent campaign, "Please pay your taxes for improved city services," has been highly successful in increasing payment of the targeted tax, known as the Safa'i, which is a traditional monthly tax paid by homeowners to the city. The campaign, which features billboards, posters, and flyers, educates citizens on the benefits of paying taxes, including improved municipal services and infrastructure. The messages also highlight the City's ability to effectively and transparently manage city revenue and finances. Initially, eight billboards were erected in strategic locations throughout the city, and following the campaign's success, an additional 100 billboards are being installed in well-traveled areas. The KCI has also worked closely with the City's finance department to overhaul and improve the City's financial management and revenue collection systems. As a result, the City is on track to increase local municipal revenue by 14% from last year, thanks to the identification of new revenue sources, the initiation of a computerized property tax database, improved management of property records, and targeted training with City staff. The new campaign is a key feature of KCI's communication and outreach efforts to publicize these improvements in municipal financial management and to help the City respond to citizens' demands for better services. The campaign's success can be attributed to its focus on the Safa'i tax, which has historically been under-enforced, resulting in lost potential revenue for the City. By educating citizens on the importance of paying taxes and highlighting the benefits of improved municipal services, the campaign has increased payment of the targeted tax and improved citizen response. The campaign's expansion to additional billboards and public venues is expected to further increase awareness and participation. The KCI's efforts to promote responsible citizenship and improve municipal financial management are critical to the City's ability to deliver essential services to its citizens. By working closely with the City's finance department and developing effective public information campaigns, the KCI is helping to build a more responsive and accountable municipal government.