The government is spending between KSh115 million and KSh120 million every month to maintain the eCitizen digital services platform, Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has revealed.
The funds are paid to a three-member consortium of private companies contracted to manage the platform, which has become the backbone of government service delivery in Kenya.
Who Runs eCitizen?
According to the PS, the consortium includes:
- Webmasters Kenya Limited – provides eCitizen customer care and related support services.
- Pesaflow Limited – handles all cash collections made through the platform.
- Olive Tree Media – manages bulk messaging and security support for government notification services.
Why It Matters
The disclosure comes amid increased scrutiny of public spending on digital infrastructure. The eCitizen portal hosts a wide range of services, including passport applications, business registrations, driver’s license renewals, and tax payments.
Kenyans have raised questions about transaction charges and the transparency of contracts awarded to private firms running the platform.
Bigger Picture
The government has previously defended the arrangement, arguing that outsourcing certain services ensures efficiency, security, and reliability for millions of users. However, watchdog groups have urged Parliament to review whether the costs represent value for money in the long term.
