A decision by the government directing parents in all national schools to pay fees through the eCitizen platform has elicited mixed reactions.

A memo dated January 31, 2024 to all national school principals and signed by Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang directed the institution heads to share bank account details with the government by Tuesday, February 6.

Immigration and Citizen Services PS Prof. Julius Bitok says that the directive is part of the government’s efforts to onboard all its services onto the eCitizen platform.

“The objective of this directive is to harmonise the collection of school fees, enhance the coordination of the process and promote transparency and accountability,” PS Bitok says.

The decision, PS Bitok says, will also entrench an effective monitoring system on compliance with the relevant policies and regulations governing levying and payment of fees in public secondary schools.

Further, the PS says that the Directorate of Citizen has set up a payment collection process that is convenient and transparent to ensure that principals will be able to access funds received for their schools promptly and in full.

“To ensure a smooth rollout, the new payment system will be implemented in phases beginning with National schools and subsequently extending to Extra County and County schools,” PS Bitok adds.