University of Nairobi Students Reject e-Citizen Meal Payments, Citing Challenges
University of Nairobi students have opposed the use of e-Citizen for meal payments, citing various challenges with the digital platform.
Castro Jasper, the Secretary General of the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA), emphasized the burden of transaction costs incurred by students, urging the government to waive these costs to alleviate financial strain.
The university administration’s directive to implement the e-Citizen payment system for meals has sparked mixed reactions among students.
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Jasper raised concerns about the hurried implementation of the system, questioning its necessity and the potential impacts on students.
John Orindi, the director of corporate communication at the University of Nairobi, clarified that while cash payments remain an option, students opting for cashless transactions must use the e-Citizen platform.
The government asserts that digitizing payments will streamline revenue collection and improve service delivery.
However, Dr. Malomba Wekesa of the University and Academic Staff Union (UASU) criticized the change, stating that the existing payment model was effective.
Wekesa questioned the need for unnecessary alterations, particularly when there were no apparent issues with the previous system.
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The directive to adopt e-Citizen for fee payments echoes a similar move by the Ministry of Education for national schools.
Despite a court ruling suspending the ministry’s directive, President William Ruto reaffirmed the commitment to implementing e-Citizen for fee payments.
Critics argue that the unclear directives may not effectively address issues such as illegal fees in public secondary schools.
Education researcher Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa and Tunza Mtoto coalition national coordinator Janet Muthoni Ouko expressed skepticism about the directive’s ability to eliminate unauthorized fees and improve service delivery effectively.
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University of Nairobi Students Reject e-Citizen Meal Payments, Citing Challenges
