Government Plans to Double e-Citizen Convenience Fee to Sh100

Kenyans could soon pay more to access government services after the State proposed increasing the e-Citizen convenience fee from Sh50 to Sh100.

The planned adjustment is expected to affect millions of citizens who rely on the digital platform for services such as passport applications, driving licences, business registration, birth certificates, and other government transactions.

The proposal comes amid the government’s aggressive push to digitise public services and streamline revenue collection through the e-Citizen system.

Push for Digital Government Services

The e-Citizen platform has become central to President William Ruto’s digital transformation agenda, with ministries, departments, and state agencies increasingly required to migrate services online.

Government officials have previously defended digital payments, arguing that they enhance transparency, improve accountability, and reduce cash handling within public institutions.

The proposed increase in the convenience fee is understood to be part of efforts to support the maintenance, expansion, and management of the growing digital infrastructure serving millions of users across the country.

Concerns Over Rising Cost of Services

However, the planned increase is already likely to trigger concern among Kenyans grappling with the high cost of living and increased taxation.

Critics argue that while digitisation has improved efficiency and convenience, the accumulation of extra charges on essential government services continues to place additional pressure on ordinary citizens.

Some Kenyans online questioned why the cost of accessing public services should rise at a time when the government is encouraging citizens to embrace digital platforms for payments and applications.

Others, however, defended the proposal, saying reliable digital systems require continuous investment, cybersecurity upgrades, and system maintenance.

BY EMMANUEL