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eCitizen Issues Update on Service and Paybill Downtime

UPDATE: eCitizen has announced that services are back online after the disruption, explaining that it was caused by an internal network issue that affected the operating system.

The government expressed regret for the inconvenience caused during the disruption and extended its gratitude to users for their patience and understanding while the issue was being addressed.

eCitizen officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing seamless, reliable, and accessible services, assuring the public that measures are in place to prevent future occurrences.

“Our technical teams have since successfully resolved the problem and restored normal operations,” the statement read.


Thousands of Kenyans are unable to access government services through the online service and payment platform eCitizen. 

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confirmed that the payment service has crashed, asking Kenyans to make payments using alternative options. 

Consequently, the government is losing millions as Kenyans shun away from multiple services. 

The announcement has come after several complaints were raised by members of the public and hours of silence from the government over the matter.

KRA Announces Ksh1.005 trillion 2024 Revenue Collection
Kenyans receiving services at the Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters. PHOTO/KRA

“We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with eCitizen Payment Services (222222). To ensure your payments are processed without delay, please use bank payment options or PDQs.

“Our technical team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore services as soon as possible,” stated KRA.


Also Read:84-Year-Old Woman Sets Record as Oldest eCitizen User


Tourists Stranded Over Citizen Payment

Earlier, tourists visiting the Nairobi National Park were forced to turn back after they were left stranded for over two hours at the main gate over payment issues.

According to reports shared online, the platform had malfunctioned and the visitors could not pay their entrance fee. 

The government mandated that all government services be paid through the eCitizen platform, with President William Ruto putting on notice heads of parastatals that had not yet fully adopted the payment method.


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Speaking during the first anniversary of the eCitizen, Ruto said that some CEOs are yet to implement the government’s directive on moving their services to eCitizen.

Among the listed government agencies include Kenya Power Limited Company (KPLC), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya Water Institute and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya.

“These entities are yet to comply with my directive that their services, payment and revenues must be on the eCitizen platform so that Treasury can follow on the revenue collected by the government

“They have one week to comply otherwise they know what to do. They make use of the door. It is as simple as that,” he stated.


Also Read: KPLC & EPRA Bosses Among 35 CEOs Warned by Ruto


High Court Suspends Ruto’s Directive

However, petitioners represented by Kituo Cha Sheria, challenged the directive, arguing that it might lead to adverse effects and violations of procedural or legal rights.

Consequently, the court suspended the directive pending the hearing of the application.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye also blocked the removal of the heads of government entities for failing to operationalize Ruto’s orders.

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eCitizen launch at KICC
A photo of the eCitizen platform relaunch at KICC on June 30, 2023. PHOTO/PCS

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Joy Kwama

Mercy Joy Kwama is a News Reporter at The Kenya Times who is dedicated to the art of storytelling and truth-telling and changing narratives. She has covered diverse topics including politics, social justice, environmental issues, climate change, and entertainment. Mercy is particularly driven to amplify the voices of African communities and challenge the prevailing status quo. She is a graduate of Riara University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia Journalism and is well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting. In her spare time, Mercy likes to pick up new skills including crocheting, gardening, dance, reading, and music. She can be reached at joy.kwama@thekenyatimes.com

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