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A report reveals that shadowy private firms managing Kenya’s eCitizen platform earned KSh 1.45 billion in under a year. MPs demand transparency as concerns over cybersecurity risks and government contract secrecy grow. Read more about the eCitizen scandal.
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A recent investigative report published by Business Daily has uncovered that shadowy private firms managing Kenya’s eCitizen platform have earned a staggering KSh 1.45 billion between June 2024 and early 2025. Despite handling millions of transactions and collecting significant revenues, the ownership and operational details of these companies remain undisclosed, raising concerns over transparency, accountability, and potential corruption in government contracts.
According to the Auditor-General’s findings, these firms processed over 11 million transactions, collecting KSh 1.99 billion from a total of KSh 5.85 billion in payments made by citizens for government services. Shockingly, nearly a third of the revenue generated was retained by these private entities, while the rest was remitted to the government. This has prompted intense scrutiny from Members of Parliament (MPs), who are now demanding full disclosure of the contractual agreements and ownership details behind these firms.
In addition to financial concerns, the report highlights alarming cybersecurity risks associated with the eCitizen system. The Auditor-General flagged vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive user data to cyberattacks. Given the critical role eCitizen plays in offering government services, these risks pose a significant threat to national digital security. Experts warn that without proper oversight, the integrity of personal and financial data stored on the platform could be compromised.
The revelations have ignited a debate among lawmakers and governance watchdogs, who argue that an essential public service like eCitizen should not be controlled by undisclosed private entities. Many are calling for an urgent review of government contracts to ensure that public funds are not being unfairly siphoned by unknown firms. Additionally, questions remain about whether these companies were awarded contracts through a competitive and transparent process or if deeper issues of corruption and favoritism are at play.
(Copied from Business Daily, Weekend Edition, February 28 - March 2, 2025, Page 1)
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Learn how to obtain a Kenya Police Abstract Form for lost items, accidents, or legal purposes. Get the official form, requirements, and step-by-step application process.
