President William Ruto has defended the eCitizen platform, describing it as one of Kenya’s most effective anti-corruption tools and a major driver of digital transformation.
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Devolution Conference on Wednesday, August 13, Ruto credited the platform with reducing graft by eliminating cash handling and introducing full digital audit trails.
“By reducing opportunities for bribery and making transactions traceable, fair, and secure, citizens can now track their applications and payments online with confidence,” he said.
Ruto noted the platform’s rapid growth since its inception in 2013, when it offered only a few services. “What began with a handful of services has evolved into a 24/7 one-stop shop for over 22,000 government services, accessible anywhere in the world,” he stated.
“Today, over 14 million Kenyans are registered, with half a million logging in daily to access passports, driving licences, business registrations, land transactions, marriage certificates, police clearances, and more — all without queues, intermediaries, or unnecessary bureaucracy.”
According to the President, the impact on public revenue has been significant, with daily collections surging by over 1,500%, from KSh 60 million to more than KSh 1 billion, translating to over KSh 500 billion annually. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have recorded revenue growth of up to 400% thanks to improved projections and planning.
Counties integrated with eCitizen have also posted notable gains. Mombasa’s revenue rose from KSh 1.6 billion to KSh 2.57 billion (61%), Kiambu’s from KSh 2 billion to KSh 3.04 billion (52%), and Kajiado’s from KSh 1.4 billion to KSh 2.07 billion (48%). Other counties, including Bomet, Tharaka-Nithi, and Meru, have recorded similar growth.
Beyond revenue, Ruto said the platform has created more than 600,000 jobs in ICT, logistics, and support services, underscoring the wider economic benefits of digitisation.
His remarks come a week after Members of Parliament called for the closure of eCitizen, terming it a “crime scene” following revelations of a KSh 9.4 billion loss.
