In a move to accelerate the digitization of government services, President William Ruto has given a stern warning to over 20 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of government agencies that have yet to onboard their services onto the e-Citizen platform.
The President on Thursday November 28,2024 set a one-week deadline for these agencies to fully integrate their services into the platform, failing which, they will face disciplinary actions.
The e-Citizen platform, which aims to streamline public service delivery by offering government services online, has been a key initiative of the current administration.
However, several crucial government agencies have not yet embraced the digital shift, hindering the goal of making public services more efficient, accessible, and transparent.
Among the agencies that have been put on notice are high-profile bodies such as the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the National Cancer Institute.
Other notable agencies include the Digital Health Authority, Kenya Reinsurance Corporation, the Private Security Regulatory Authority, and the Kenya Space Agency.
President Ruto’s directive is a part of the government’s ongoing efforts to digitize its operations and eliminate inefficiencies that have long plagued the public sector.
The President emphasized that the failure of these agencies to comply with the deadline would not be tolerated, as it undermines the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and providing convenience for citizens.
He underscored the importance of e-Citizen as a tool to reduce bureaucratic red tape, cut down on corruption, and bring government services closer to the people.
The e-Citizen platform has already enabled millions of Kenyans to access a wide array of services online, ranging from passport applications to business permits, with more services being gradually added.
With its expansion, the platform aims to provide citizens with a one-stop-shop for interacting with government services, thereby saving time and reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
However, despite the progress made, the full adoption of the platform has been slow across several government agencies, with some institutions still relying on outdated manual processes.
This delay has prompted the President to take decisive action to ensure that all relevant agencies move in tandem with the government’s digital transformation agenda.
In a statement, President Ruto called on the affected agencies to take immediate action and implement the necessary technological upgrades to join the e-Citizen platform.
He warned that the failure to do so would result in consequences, signaling the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards inefficiency and a lack of accountability.
The President’s ultimatum is expected to push these agencies to fast-track their digitization efforts, ensuring that the government continues to move forward with its modernization plans.
It is also seen as part of the broader strategy to transform Kenya into a tech-savvy nation where digital solutions are at the forefront of service delivery.
