E-Citizen’s School Fee Payment Platform to Curb Corruption – Sossion
The education ministry’s move to have parents of students in national schools pay fees through the e-Citizen platform has received praise from former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Wilson Sossion.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Sossion lauded the initiative as part of the government’s broader plan to integrate all government services into the e-Citizen platform for improved service delivery.
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Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang issued the directive, emphasizing its role in promoting transparency and protecting both students and parents.
Sossion expressed optimism about the simplicity and convenience of the one-stop transaction, believing that it will eliminate any unauthorized charges introduced by certain institutions.
He highlighted the ease with which parents can conduct transactions through M-Pesa, emphasizing that the process is straightforward, allowing them to log in the student’s name and admission number for fee payment.
Despite acknowledging the mandatory nature of the payment, Sossion called for the government to provide a clear explanation of how the system will seamlessly function.
On a related note, Kathiani Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Mbui, appearing on the same show, expressed skepticism about the move, asserting that it lacked thorough consideration.
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Mbui raised concerns about potential practical challenges for school heads and parents, fearing that it could disrupt the education processes in institutions.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina weighed in on the debate, arguing that Kenya may not be ready for such a significant digital transition. He pointed out that some citizens are unfamiliar with digital systems, emphasizing the need to address the practicality of the move.
Olekina questioned how the directive would apply to students in remote areas without access to banks or familiarity with the e-Citizen platform, urging a more realistic approach.
In a directive to all national school principals, they have been instructed to share their school bank account details with the office of the State Department’s Director General by Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
This directive further solidifies the government’s push to centralize fee payments through the e-Citizen platform.
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E-Citizen’s School Fee Payment Platform to Curb Corruption – Sossion
