Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The Kenyan government has announced plans to enhance access to e-Citizen services for its 3.5 million citizens living abroad. This initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s vision of decentralizing government services, aiming to make it easier for the diaspora to access essential government resources. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that Huduma-like Centers would be established in key international capitals to address the challenges Kenyans overseas face in accessing e-Citizen services.
The push for this move comes after concerns were raised by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, particularly regarding difficulties experienced by Kenyans in the United States when trying to obtain services through the e-Citizen platform. While many Kenyans enjoy the convenience of accessing government services online, those abroad often have to travel long distances to embassies for crucial services. This has led to frustration, delays, and missed opportunities for Kenyans in the diaspora.
In response, the government is working on establishing “one-stop centres” in various countries where Kenyan citizens can easily access essential services such as National Identity Cards and other documents. This move is in line with President Ruto’s broader goal of digital transformation in government service delivery, which seeks to eliminate inefficiencies, corruption, and bias. The e-Citizen platform currently offers around 50,000 government services, but accessibility issues remain for those living overseas.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, however, raised concerns regarding the resource allocation for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. Mudavadi acknowledged the challenges, citing resource limitations as a major obstacle that has delayed the full rollout of automated services. Addressing these constraints will be essential for the initiative’s success.
As more Kenyans seek economic opportunities, education, and better living conditions abroad, the need for streamlined access to government services has become more pressing. This new initiative comes at a crucial time when enhancing the diaspora experience is essential for Kenya’s growing global citizenry. Alongside the rollout of these centers, there is also a push for better outreach and education about the e-Citizen platform to ensure those abroad can navigate the system effectively.
