The move to centralize payments for all government services through the E-Citizen platform holds promise for combating corruption and enhancing transparency.

However, the implementation of this directive has been marred by persistent hiccups and challenges, raising serious concerns about the efficacy of the system.

Yesterday’s cabinet directive on the digitization of the education sector within 30 days, to curb fraud and exploitation of parents, underscores the urgency of addressing the shortcomings of the E-citizen platform.

The centralization of payments for school fees, spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including public universities, could signal a significant step towards streamlining processes and enhancing accountability.

However, the effectiveness of this initiative hinges on the reliability and functionality of the E-citizen platform.

Regrettably, cases of delayed government services persist, undermining the intended benefits.

This not only frustrates citizens but also erodes trust in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

If the government is committed to leveraging digital solutions to improve service delivery, it must prioritize the resolution of existing challenges with the platform.

The goal should be to create a robust system capable of facilitating millions of seamless transactions and minimizing disruptions to essential services.

Furthermore, transparency and accountability must be upheld throughout the process to ensure that the benefits of centralization are realized without compromising the rights of citizens.

At the end of the day, all that the mwananchi needs is easy access to government services when needed; if the e-citizen platform and a centralized payment system will guarantee this, then so be it. Just make it work!

Copy by Fred Indimuli- host Morning Cafe show