• Ruto said the new policy that requires school fees to be paid through the platform will eliminate illegal levies charged by some schools.
• Justice Mwita on Wednesday issued orders suspending the government's directive for parents to pay school fees via eCitizen.
Image: PCS
President William has said the government will not allow corruption cartels to derail digitisation of government services.
The President who spoke in Japan where he is on a three-day State Visit said the government is committed to ensuring the transition to a digital payment system is complete to stop corruption and theft of government resources.
Ruto spoke on the same day Nairobi High Court Judge Chacha Mwita issued orders suspending a circular by Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang requiring parents to pay fees via eCitizen.
Ruto said the new policy that requires school fees to be paid through the platform will eliminate illegal levies charged by some schools.
"The cash payments system is slippery and often an avenue for corruption. Technology will help us eliminate this,” he said.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with Kenyans living in Japan.
He encouraged Kenyans in the Diaspora to embrace and support the digitalisation policy of payment for all government services saying it will eradicate corruption and enhance service delivery in institutions.
"We are encouraged by the enhanced contribution of the Diaspora to our economic growth and commit to improving our engagement with them through efficient government services," he said.
Back home, Justice Mwita was issuing orders suspending Kipsang's directive following an application filed by Dr Magare Gikenyi.
The Nakuru-based doctor told the court that forcing parents to pay school fees through eCitizen without consultation was irrational.
He further argues that the Sh50 service fee charged for every transaction was arrived at curiously.
The medic also said there's currently no legal framework that will guide the way the said funds will be utilised and sent back to the end users.
What will happen with parents who usually pay their children's school fees using alternative means like farm produce such as maize? Dr Gikenyi argues in his application.
Justice Mwita agreed with his concerns and issued interim orders suspending the government's directive.
"That an interim conservatory order is herby issued suspending the Circular or letter by the Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, Ministry of Education dated January 31, 2024, requiring parents/guardians and or students to pay fees and or any other levies for all government learning institutions through eCitizen platform or any other Digital platform(s) until February 13, 2024, when the court will issue further directions in this petition," the judge ruled.