Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-12 21:00:00
President William Ruto’s announcement of a single paybill system for government services was initially met with optimism as a solution to the issues of corruption and financial mismanagement in the public sector. However, the implementation of this system has not been without its challenges, leaving many areas, including health services, adversely affected.
Despite the presidential directive, the processing of payments through the e-Citizen platform has become more problematic, with significant impacts on essential services such as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). As a result, approximately 1,000 cancer patients have been unable to access medication for the past five months due to unpaid importers’ dues.
The introduction of a single paybill number was intended to simplify the payment process for all public services. However, the system has faced numerous issues, leading critics to argue that the previous payment methods were more efficient. This has led to frustration and anger across the country as individuals have encountered difficulties in paying for services such as those provided by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
While some areas, such as Taita-Taveta County, have seen improvements in service efficiency, there are still widespread challenges, particularly with the issuance of smart driving licenses, motor vehicle inspections, and processing of number plates by the NTSA. Despite these difficulties, the e-Citizen portal has streamlined the payment process for tourists visiting national parks and reserves.
The original intention of the new system was to provide convenient access to public services through mobile phones while reducing bureaucracy. The e-Citizen portal aimed to cater to 19,000 public services through a single account, providing millions of Kenyans with easier access to the services they need. However, the existing weaknesses in the system must be addressed to fulfill this goal.
In conclusion, the implementation of a single paybill system for government services has not fully realized its intended benefits. Instead, it has created challenges in crucial areas such as healthcare, transportation, and law enforcement. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure that the system fulfills its purpose of providing efficient and accessible public services to all Kenyans.
Read the original article on Daily Nation
