The Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Julius Bitok, has clarified that school heads will now have prompt and full access to funds paid to their institutions through the eCitizen portal. This move is aimed at enhancing accountability in the management of funds across public institutions in the country. The directive emphasizes the harmonization of school fee collection, improved coordination, and the promotion of transparency and accountability in the education sector.
Quick Summary
- eCitizen Portal Implementation: School heads will access funds promptly and in full through the eCitizen portal, enhancing accountability in fund management.
- Objective of the Directive: The directive aims to harmonize school fee collection, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in the handling of funds in public institutions.
- Phased Onboarding of Schools: The phased onboarding of schools on eCitizen, starting with National Schools, will establish an effective monitoring system for compliance with relevant policies and regulations on school fee payments.
- Departure from Old Model: The new school fees payment module departs from the old model where parents and guardians paid school fees directly to various school accounts.
- Consolidation of Government Payments: President William Ruto’s directive in June 2023 aimed to consolidate all government payments into a unified digital platform to boost revenue collection, minimize corruption, and improve overall service delivery.
eCitizen Portal Implementation
Principal Secretary Julius Bitok emphasizes that the implementation of the eCitizen portal for school fees will significantly improve accountability in fund management. School heads will have prompt access to funds and will be able to utilize them in full, streamlining the process of financial transactions in public institutions.
Objective of the Directive
The overarching objective of the directive is to bring about harmony in the collection of school fees, ensuring improved coordination, and fostering transparency and accountability. By leveraging the eCitizen portal, the education sector aims to establish a robust system that enhances the overall management of funds in public schools across the country.
Phased Onboarding of Schools
The phased onboarding of schools onto the eCitizen platform, starting with National Schools, signifies a strategic approach to implementing the new system. This phased approach ensures effective monitoring of compliance with relevant policies and regulations related to school fee payments. The system is expected to enhance visibility and oversight in financial transactions within the education sector.
Departure from Old Model
The shift from the old model, where parents and guardians paid school fees directly to various school accounts, marks a significant departure. The new module aims to centralize the payment process, providing a more streamlined and transparent method for managing funds in educational institutions.
Consolidation of Government Payments
President William Ruto’s directive in June 2023 to consolidate all government payments into a unified digital platform, including the education sector, demonstrates a commitment to boosting revenue collection, minimizing corruption, and improving overall service delivery. The implementation of the eCitizen portal aligns with this vision, fostering efficiency and accountability.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the eCitizen portal for school fee payments heralds a new era in the management of funds in public institutions. The emphasis on accountability, transparency, and prompt access to funds for school heads reflects a commitment to enhancing the efficiency of financial transactions within the education sector. As schools undergo phased onboarding, the system is expected to bring about positive changes, ensuring a more streamlined and accountable approach to fund management.