Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu has defended the government’s directive requiring parents with children in National schools to pay school fees through the eCitizen platform.
Speaking on Monday, February 12, Machogu responded to concerns of parents who have been paying school fees in kind (using goods and services).
The CS explained that the number of parents paying school fees in kind is very small and cannot affect the implementation of the programme.
Machogu emphasized that the first phase target national schools where the majority of the parents pay fees in cash.
“The e-citizen was first to start in national schools and if you go to almost all our national schools, you might not find any payment being in kind.
Probably payment in kind is done in county schools but even that it is so minimal that you might not get even 2 percent,” said the CS.
Machogu on Embracing Technology
He maintained that the government would incorporate technology to improve service delivery in the education sector.
“So, the way to go is technology because we are in the fourth digital evolution now, Kenya can now lag behind in matters technology when other countries are moving forward,” he said.
Also Read: UON Students, Staff to Pay for Meals via eCitizen After Govt Directive
eCitizen Uproar
The move to have parents pay fees through the government’s digital platform had met a lot of criticism from Kenyan.
Speaking on February 5, Machogu said the new payment system was aimed at ensuring transparency and openness in the management of schools in the country.
He stated that the money would still belong to the respective schools for use despite the change in the mode of payment.
Also Read: Ruto Slams Critics Against Payment of School Fees Via eCitizen
Transition to eCitizen
The Ministry of Education announced the payment of fees through eCitizen on February 5, stating that the changes would take effect immediately to enhance service delivery.
National school principals were directed to ensure that all parents from their institutions provide their bank account details in a listed format.
Among the details required for submission include the bank account name, account number, code and branch code.
President William Ruto launched the eCitizen payment plan in June 2023, for implementation by all government entities as a digital initiative that promised to redefine public service delivery.
Ruto said the aim of the plan was to collect a targeted Ksh3.2 trillion in annual government revenue, as well as streamline processes, foster transparency, minimize corruption, and enhance efficiency.
