NAIROBI, Kenya – Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has clarified the state’s position on the ownership and management of the e-Citizen platform, emphasizing that while the government fully owns the system, it has entered into a partnership with local service provider Webmaster to manage it.
Speaking on Thursday, Mwaura explained that the e-Citizen system has been in a 10-year pilot phase, with continuous improvements being made to its functionality as the government builds capacity.
“This system has been in a 10-year pilot phase as we build capacity and continuously enhance its functionality,” Mwaura stated.
While the government retains ownership, he clarified that it procures ICT services from various providers.
Oracle Corporation, for instance, supplies the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), while Microsoft provides the supporting digital infrastructure.
Mwaura also highlighted the government’s commitment to innovation, pointing to the establishment of an Innovation and AI Hub at the Kenya School of Government and the development of software and application hubs at Konza Technopolis.
These efforts are part of the government’s ongoing progress in adopting homegrown technologies.
Regarding concerns raised by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, Mwaura invited feedback from Kenyans, stressing the importance of public collaboration to improve the platform further.
The government made a significant move in 2023 when it mandated that all state services be paid through the eCitizen platform.
This was followed by a contract for the provision of support and maintenance services, signed on May 25, 2023, for a three-year period.
The contract was entered into with a consortium of three companies: Webmasters Kenya Limited, Pesaflow Limited, and Olive Tree Media Limited.
Despite the government’s claims of ownership, the details of the contract reveal that in the event of a fallout, these companies could retain control over the eCitizen platform.
According to the agreement, the suppliers would be entitled to remove their proprietary infrastructure, including technical resources and software, if they choose to rescind the contract.
The companies involved in the management of the platform make their earnings from the Sh50 transaction fee that Kenyans pay when using the eCitizen platform.
