NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government’s eCitizen platform has significantly curbed corruption and transformed public service delivery, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Speaking during the first anniversary of the platform, Mudavadi highlighted its role in eliminating graft and making government services more efficient, affordable, and accessible to citizens and international users.
Mudavadi joined President William Ruto at the event, where he lauded the platform for addressing longstanding challenges in public service.
He noted that eCitizen had reduced reliance on manual systems, notorious for inefficiency and bribery demands.
“Millions of Kenyans endured long waits and were often forced to pay bribes to access services that should be their right, guaranteed by either citizenship or the payment of official fees,” Mudavadi remarked.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that digitization was also a revenue protection measure. Weak manual systems had been exploited by rogue officers, costing the government billions.
He credited President Ruto’s directive to digitize government operations with plugging these loopholes and enabling the collection of billions of shillings monthly.
“This initiative has not only stemmed corruption but unlocked the potential of internally generated revenue, which is vital for funding national development projects,” said Mudavadi.
The platform now hosts over 22,000 government services, up from just 394, making Kenya a global leader in digital public service integration.
Mudavadi highlighted the broader benefits of the platform, including enhanced public service delivery, skills acquisition, knowledge transfer, and job creation.
The government’s efforts to integrate all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies onto eCitizen are on track for completion by December 2023.
The consolidation of over 1,130 pay bill accounts into a single payment system—22222—has also simplified transactions and improved revenue accountability.
Mudavadi further highlighted the impact of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy, facilitated through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the platform processed 666,475 ETA applications, a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects a surge in international visitors.
“ETA is not a visa but a simplified travel authorization for foreigners with valid passports. This policy makes Kenya more accessible to global travelers,” he explained.
As Kenya celebrates the platform’s achievements, Mudavadi stressed the importance of continuous improvement to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
The government is committed to refining eCitizen and exploring innovative ways to enhance service delivery.
“This is a moment to reflect on our milestones and forge new paths to meet the expectations of a rapidly digitizing world,” Mudavadi concluded.
Speaking during the first anniversary of the platform, Mudavadi highlighted its role in eliminating graft and making government services more efficient, affordable, and accessible to citizens and international users.
Mudavadi joined President William Ruto at the event, where he lauded the platform for addressing longstanding challenges in public service.
He noted that eCitizen had reduced reliance on manual systems, notorious for inefficiency and bribery demands.
“Millions of Kenyans endured long waits and were often forced to pay bribes to access services that should be their right, guaranteed by either citizenship or the payment of official fees,” Mudavadi remarked.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that digitization was also a revenue protection measure. Weak manual systems had been exploited by rogue officers, costing the government billions.
He credited President Ruto’s directive to digitize government operations with plugging these loopholes and enabling the collection of billions of shillings monthly.
“This initiative has not only stemmed corruption but unlocked the potential of internally generated revenue, which is vital for funding national development projects,” said Mudavadi.
The platform now hosts over 22,000 government services, up from just 394, making Kenya a global leader in digital public service integration.
Mudavadi highlighted the broader benefits of the platform, including enhanced public service delivery, skills acquisition, knowledge transfer, and job creation.
The government’s efforts to integrate all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies onto eCitizen are on track for completion by December 2023.
The consolidation of over 1,130 pay bill accounts into a single payment system—22222—has also simplified transactions and improved revenue accountability.
Mudavadi further highlighted the impact of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy, facilitated through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the platform processed 666,475 ETA applications, a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects a surge in international visitors.
“ETA is not a visa but a simplified travel authorization for foreigners with valid passports. This policy makes Kenya more accessible to global travelers,” he explained.
As Kenya celebrates the platform’s achievements, Mudavadi stressed the importance of continuous improvement to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
The government is committed to refining eCitizen and exploring innovative ways to enhance service delivery.
“This is a moment to reflect on our milestones and forge new paths to meet the expectations of a rapidly digitizing world,” Mudavadi concluded.
