eCitizen Heist? Kenyans React after Auditor General Flags Questionable Transactions up To KSh 10b

• Auditor General Nancy Gathungu flagged discrepancies in the eCitizen payment systems across government departments
• Gathungu cited a loss of more than KSh 10 billion in collection and settlement accounts by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs)
• The audit report caught the attention of many Kenyans, who have termed the payment system a crime scene

Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Kenyans have slammed the government over irregularities reported in the eCitizen payment system.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu flagged financial flaws in the eCitizen payment systems across government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Which discrepancies were reported in eCitizen payment

In a report presented in parliament, Gathungu said more than KSh 10 billion is unaccounted for due to dubious transactions between financial service providers and MDAs.

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William Ruto defends Hustler Fund after Kenya Human Rights calls for shutdown of scheme

The report noted that about KSh 7.05 billion held in collection and settlement accounts is still in limbo.

It further revealed that KSh 2.57 billion in receipts was unrelated to any invoices in the system.

What Kenyans said about eCitizen's financial flaws

The report sparked debate among Kenyans, with some criticising the government and terming the payment system a crime scene.

@AllanObare4 wrote:

"This is a crime scene! Auditor General uncovers massive theft through eCitizen. Over Ksh 11 billion diverted to private accounts."

@itskipronoh said:

"The looting at eCitizen is of the highest magnitude. eCitizen is a crime scene."

@dukemtambo claimed:

"Since Ruto took office, KSh 56.61 billion has been stolen through eCitizen."

@alfredarapketer asked:

"How on earth do you have a Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy and then allow a private investor to manage eCitizen?"

@Sir6in9 argued:

"Huh! eCitizen developers handed the platform to the government who later handed it over to a private firm. Wizi bila break."

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William Ruto's adviser David Ndii admits Kenya is a crime scene following auditor general’s report

@FrankoRover noted:

"eCitizen is a good concept that will be killed by greed. What is this drive to loot everything?"

@sholard_mancity argued:

"Now remember last month another KSh 45B vanished from eCitizen."

@adan_zamuh wrote:

"eCitizen inakuliwa tu."

@Asamoh_ said:

"KSh 11 billion looted at eCitizen is enough to improve the healthcare system."

@amutuma cried out:

" These could easily have funded schools, hospitals, and roads? But no - Stolen."

Ruto defends Hustler Fund

In related news, President William Ruto has defended the Hustler Fund, following a report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).

KHRC pointed out issues in the repayment of the Hustler Fund loan, saying it fails to meet its mandate.

The commission recommended the shutdown of the financial inclusion fund over a 60% default rate.

However, the head of state presented official data showing a repayment rate of 83.3%, nearly identical to the 83.6% repayment rate of the formal banking sector.

He said Kenyans are honest, are resilient, and if you give them the right tools and give them a fair chance, they will always contribute.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke