Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has come out in defence of the government's recent directive, which requires parents to pay their children's school fees through the eCitizen platform.
Speaking on Sunday, February 11, Jumwa noted that President Willam Ruto's administration is trying to address the corruption within the education sector while asserting that teachers have in the past misused funds given to them directly.
She argued that the government's decision to centralize payments through the eCitizen platform aims to curb such malpractices and ensure transparency.
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"Corruption is rampant; teachers are being paid school fees in cash, they eat it up, some buy cars, while others don't even pay fees at all. It's your fees that you take to them that educate their children. The President said it's not possible. Everyone now has a phone, even if you go to Huduma Centre, you'll be assisted in paying school fees through eCitizen. Not everything the President introduces should be opposed. We want to put an end to the ongoing theft. Let's have one account, money goes there to flow smoothly. Has the President done wrong? All this is for your good," declared Aisha Jumwa.
The CS also pointed out the accessibility of mobile phones in today's society, suggesting that parents should not have excuses as to why they can't pay fees through eCitizen.
Furthermore, she defended the President's initiatives, stating that they are designed to benefit the public despite opposition.
School Fees Payment Through E-Citizen
Gender CS Aisha Jumwa defends government's directive requiring parents to pay fees through E-Citizen.#KBCniYetu#AFCONikoKBC pic.twitter.com/SJdShpQMAq— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) February 11, 2024
Court suspends eCitizen fee payment plan
Jumwa's sentiments come days after the High Court temporarily suspended the plan to enforce school fees and other charges for government schools to be paid via the e-Citizen platform until February 13, when it will give more instructions on the matter,
This directive was to take effect on February 6, but the court stepped in with temporary orders.
This means that parents, guardians, and students won't have to pay fees or other charges through the e-Citizen platform or any digital platforms until further notice from the court.
"An interim conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the circular or letter by the Principal Secretary (Belio R Kipsang), Ministry of Education, dated January 31, 2024, requiring parents, guardians, and/or students to pay fees and/or any other levies for all government learning institutions through the e-Citizen platform or any other digital platform(s) until February 13, 2024, when the court will issue further directions in this petition," the court order read in part.
