E-Citizen Down?: Kenyans Slam Gov't Over System Breakdown After Onboarding 5,000 Services Online

• The government onboarded over 5,000 services on Gava Mkononi mobile application and E-Citizen
• President William Ruto said the move will enable Kenyans to easily access the services from the 100-plus government ministries and departments
• Kenyans raised concerns over the service overload leading to the system breakdown barely a month after the launch

Kenyans have raised concerns over delays in accessing government services via the newly unveiled Gava Mkononi application.

The government revamped the E-Citizen service to accommodate over 5,000 services from 100-plus ministries, state departments, and county governments.

Is E-Citizen system down?

However, this turned out to be a system breakdown for Kenyans who expressed their disappointment in accessing the services.

A spot check by TUKO.co.ke on the E-Citizen platform on Thursday, July 27, indicated page not found errors.

"This page isn’t working .accounts.ecitizen.go.ke is currently unable to handle this request. HTTP ERROR 500," read the message upon login in.

Is E-citizen hacked?

The system breakdown sparked debate among Kenyans on social media, some claiming it was hacked.

@__spence_r wrote;

"GOD deliver us from rumor mongers who are spreading fake news that E-Citizen has been hacked."

@forever_funky_ asked;

"Is it a ''system overload'' or E-Citizen has been hacked by you know who?"

E-Citizen system overload

Other users said they have been able to access the platform after trying for a while, saying it was just a system overload.

@lizahchaos replied;

"Yeah, E- Citizen just experienced a system breakdown."

E-Citizen announced the services are back after experiencing delays, urging Kenyans to continue accessing them.

Ruto's plan to digitise all government services

President William Ruto said his government plans to build 100,000 kilometres of digital superhighway.

Ruto noted the move will see homes, schools, offices and all parts of the country connected to the internet.

Speaking during the 59th Jamhuri Day celebrations, Ruto said 85% of government services will be digitised by 2023.

"We intend to transfer 85% of the remaining government services to the digital space, so that every Kenyan, wherever they are, they do not have to queue to get access to government services," said Ruto.