NAROK, Kenya – Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang has cautioned Kenyans against making cash payments for government services, warning that such transactions are fraudulent.
Speaking in Narok County during a sensitisation meeting with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and heads of departments, Dr. Kipsang emphasized that all official payments must now be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform via code 222-222.
“Anybody purporting to pay money for any government service in cash is being defrauded,” said Dr. Kipsang. “All payments must be made digitally through 222-222. I don’t understand why anyone would still hand over cash when we’ve made this clear.”
He warned that government officers found engaging in fraudulent activities will face criminal prosecution, while administrative misconduct will be handled under public service disciplinary frameworks.
Dr. Kipsang said the migration of services to digital platforms was aimed at curbing corruption and revenue leakages by ensuring transparency and traceability in government transactions.
The PS also highlighted significant progress in the digital ID registration system, noting that modern live capture machines are now in use across registration centres.
The system records fingerprints, photos, and personal details, which are transmitted directly to the headquarters for verification.
“We are using very modern technology through live capture systems. Once verified at the headquarters, you can get your ID the same day,” he said.
According to the PS, Nairobi residents who complete registration in the morning can collect their national ID cards by 5 p.m. the same day.
Dr. Kipsang said the new system has helped resolve historical identification challenges in counties such as Narok, where residents previously struggled to obtain IDs due to prolonged vetting processes.
He urged local administrators to mobilize communities to collect unclaimed ID cards and encouraged those who had faced vetting barriers in the past to reapply under the new streamlined process.
