The Kenyan government’s eCitizen platform has revolutionized the delivery of public services, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi lauding its role in reducing corruption and streamlining service access. Speaking during the platform’s first-anniversary celebrations alongside President William Ruto, Mudavadi emphasized how the digital transformation has made public services more accessible, affordable, and customer-centric for both Kenyans and international users.
Mudavadi acknowledged the challenges that millions of Kenyans have faced when dealing with manual government systems, describing them as costly, time-consuming, and often marred by corruption. “Many were subjected to long hours of waiting and, sadly, to demands for bribes to access services that should otherwise be their right guaranteed either by citizenship or the payment of official fees,” he noted.
Addressing Corruption and Revenue Loss
The government has set its sights on addressing corruption and inefficiency in service delivery, with eCitizen playing a pivotal role. Mudavadi highlighted President Ruto’s commitment to eliminating revenue losses caused by manual systems prone to exploitation by corrupt officials. “His directive to digitize government services was not only aimed at plugging these loopholes but also at unlocking the full potential of internally generated revenue, which could then fund key national development projects and programs,” Mudavadi said.
Through the eCitizen platform, the government has expanded its services from 394 to an impressive 22,000, making Kenya a global leader in online service provision. This move has not only improved service delivery but also significantly boosted government revenue collection, generating billions of shillings monthly while curbing leakages that previously facilitated corruption.
Integration and Streamlining
A notable milestone in the platform’s evolution has been the consolidation of 1,130 paybill accounts into a single paybill number 22222. This integration has streamlined transactions, making payments simpler and more transparent for users.
Mudavadi emphasized that the digitization drive has also focused on fostering skills acquisition, knowledge transfer, and job creation. “It is in this spirit that the President directed all Ministries, Departments, Corporations, and Agencies to digitize their services and integrate them onto the eCitizen platform,” he stated, noting that this ambitious initiative was set to meet its December 2023 deadline.
Boosting Tourism and Global Access
The eCitizen platform has extended its impact beyond Kenya’s borders, particularly in the tourism sector. Mudavadi revealed that the introduction of a visa-free directive, which leverages the platform’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, has significantly increased foreign visitors to Kenya.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, 666,475 foreigners utilized the ETA, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year. This streamlined entry process, which requires only a valid passport and basic requirements, has made Kenya a more attractive destination for international travelers.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While celebrating eCitizen’s successes, the government is also identifying areas for improvement to enhance user experience. Mudavadi acknowledged that the platform’s evolution reflects Kenya’s readiness to adapt to the demands of a rapidly digitizing world.
The platform’s achievements underscore the transformative power of technology in public service. By making services more efficient, transparent, and accessible, eCitizen has not only reduced corruption but also demonstrated Kenya’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for national development.
As Kenya continues to expand and refine the eCitizen platform, it sets an example for other nations on how digital solutions can address systemic challenges, foster economic growth, and enhance governance.
