MPs demand clarity on eCitizen ownership as Treasury unveils new regulations

Members of Parliament have called for clarity on the ownership of the eCitizen platform as the Treasury works to regulate it through new rules. The National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation questioned the platform's ownership while reviewing the proposed Public Finance Management (eCitizen System Management) Regulations, 2026, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The committee, led by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, examined the regulations aimed at placing the digital payment platform under the National Treasury's control, including ownership, control, hosting, administration, and maintenance. Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo asked if the proposed regulations would resolve the longstanding question of ownership, noting that if not, the purpose of the regulations remains unclear.

Treasury officials explained that while eCitizen was initially developed by a private vendor, it was fully handed over to the government in 2023 and is now managed internally by the National Treasury. The committee also expressed concerns over the extent of powers given to the Cabinet Secretary under the proposed regulations, particularly Regulation 14(3), which gives the Cabinet Secretary the authority to provide policy direction and set standards for revenue collection through the system.

MP Innocent Mugabe from Likuyani questioned this as over-delegation without specifying the standards or the Minister's role. The committee further looked into Regulation 10, which allows the Cabinet Secretary to appoint committee members for the eCitizen Steering Committee based on factors like representation and knowledge. Chepkonga urged Treasury to introduce qualification requirements to prevent political considerations from influencing appointments.

Treasury officials stated that the proposed framework would establish both a Steering Committee and a Technical Committee to oversee the platform, with national government agencies to be onboarded within 12 months and county governments having the option to join. The regulations also aim to standardize access fees, previously known as convenience fees, to support the platform's operation and maintenance. eCitizen operates on a T+2 settlement cycle, with funds moving from payment service providers to a central account at Kenya Commercial Bank within two days.

Treasury is a certified data collector and processor under the Data Protection Act, ensuring the protection of citizens' information. The committee is set to continue reviewing the regulations before approval, emphasizing the need for clear safeguards on ownership, accountability, appointments, and executive power usage.