President William Ruto issued a stern warning to various government agencies that have failed to migrate their services to the eCitizen platform. During the first anniversary celebrations of the eCitizen Directorate, the President made it clear that these institutions have one week to comply with the government’s directive or face serious consequences. Ruto’s remarks signal a significant push towards digital transformation in Kenya’s public service, with a particular focus on improving transparency and revenue collection.
The eCitizen platform, which was introduced to streamline government services, allows citizens to access a wide range of government services online, from applying for permits to paying taxes. It is part of a broader initiative by the government to digitalize public sector processes, ensuring that services are easily accessible and reducing opportunities for corruption.
However, despite the government’s push for a fully digitized public service, several agencies have failed to comply with the migration requirements. Some agencies have bypassed the platform entirely, opting for alternative payment methods that, according to Ruto, undermine accountability and transparency. This lack of adherence to the eCitizen directive has raised concerns over the management of public resources, especially in terms of revenue collection.
Ruto emphasized the importance of having all revenue collected by government agencies properly accounted for, adding that without full migration to eCitizen, the Treasury would be unable to effectively track the flow of funds. “I want a record of the last three months of government agencies that are already on the e-citizen platforms but have decided to use alternative means with grey spaces so that we can take action against the people who are undermining transparency in the collection of public resources,” the President stated. His words indicate the government’s commitment to cracking down on any irregularities in public financial management.
The agencies that have failed to migrate to the eCitizen platform are drawn from various sectors, including health, water, finance, and energy. Notably, some of these agencies have been implicated in using alternative payment methods, bypassing eCitizen in favor of less transparent means of collecting fees and taxes.
Full List of Agencies Yet to Migrate to eCitizen
- National Cancer Institute of Kenya
- Kenya Hospital Authority Trust Fund
- Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute
- Health Records and Managers Board
- National Syndemic Disease Control Council
- Occupational Therapy Council of Kenya
- Digital Health Authority
- Kenya Biovax Institute Ltd
- Kenya National Public Health Institute
- Kenya Human Health Resource Authority
- Kenya Water Institute
- Tanathi Water Works Development Agency
- Water Sector Trust Fund
- Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board
- Private Security Regulatory Authority
- Nairobi International Financial Center
- Kenya Reinsurance Corporation
- Financial Reporting Center
- Kenya Institute of Supplies Management
- Consolidated Bank of Kenya
- Development Bank of Kenya
- Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board
- Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya
- Institute of Certified Secretaries
- Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation
- Geothermal Development Corporation
- Kenya Petroleum and Refineries Ltd
The agencies listed above represent a significant portion of Kenya’s public service infrastructure, and their failure to comply with the digital transition is seen as a major setback in the government’s efforts to enhance service delivery.
Ruto’s warning not only affects the accountability and transparency of the services provided but also raises concerns about the digital divide within the public sector. These agencies’ reluctance to embrace the eCitizen platform might be due to various reasons, including outdated systems, lack of technical capacity, or sheer resistance to change. However, the President’s message underscores that these challenges must be overcome if Kenya is to fully realize the benefits of a digital government.
Implications of Non-Compliance
The ramifications of continued non-compliance could be severe. Not only does this delay the government’s goal of digitalizing public services, but it also undermines the confidence of citizens in the effectiveness and integrity of public institutions. Moreover, it prevents the Treasury from accurately tracking and managing public finances, which is crucial for economic stability and development.
As the deadline approaches, it is clear that the government is serious about holding agencies accountable for their role in the digitalization process. The push to ensure that all services migrate to eCitizen is not just about improving efficiency but also about reinforcing the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
In the coming weeks, we are likely to see more aggressive action from the government as it works to ensure that all agencies comply with the directive. For citizens, this could mean faster, more efficient access to government services, and for public institutions, it could represent a critical turning point in how they manage their operations in the digital age.
