Govt to double eCitizen services fee to Sh100 in proposals

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 7 – Kenyans using the eCitizen platform could soon pay higher transaction charges under new regulations proposed by the National Treasury.

The draft Public Finance Management (E-Citizen System Management) Regulations, 2026 propose changes to service fees charged on government payments made through the platform.

Under the proposals, transactions between Sh100 and Sh499 would attract a Sh5 convenience fee, while payments above Sh100,000 would be charged a maximum fee of Sh100. Transactions in foreign currency would attract a $1 charge.

The regulations seek to replace the current flat Sh50 convenience charge that was previously imposed on transactions through the platform.

The proposals come after the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling declaring mandatory school fee payments through eCitizen unconstitutional due to lack of public participation and the unlawful imposition of convenience charges.

The draft law also seeks to formally anchor the eCitizen system as the official digital payment platform for both national and county government services under the Treasury.

A new steering committee chaired by the Treasury would oversee the platform’s operations. The committee would include the Finance Principal Secretary, the PS in charge of eCitizen services, the Solicitor General and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Governors.

The committee would be responsible for approving payment channels, monitoring service delivery and overseeing implementation of digital payment systems across government agencies.

The proposed regulations further require regular audits of the platform to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The system would also be required to maintain audit trails showing access, changes and processing of electronic records to improve accountability and transparency.