CS Mudavadi welcomes Haiti Prime Minister Garry in Kenya
The Kenyan government plans to expand e-Citizen services to 3.5 million Kenyans living abroad. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made this announcement at a press briefing.
“This initiative aims to create a one-stop centre for public services tailored to the diaspora community,” Mudavadi said. He emphasized that this development aligns with President William Ruto’s vision for a more accessible government.
During discussions about enhancing consular services, Mudavadi highlighted the challenges faced by Kenyans abroad.
“There are almost 3.5 million Kenyans around the world, with the US having the biggest number,” he stated.
Senators expressed concerns regarding access to government services for the diaspora.
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot noted, “Kenyans can access thousands of services online through e-Citizen, but such are not available to diaspora citizens.” He called for a help desk to assist those in need of online services.
“I want to believe that if his ministry, alongside other State departments, were to set up a help desk, citizens will be saved from traveling thousands of kilometres,” Cheruiyot added.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna raised issues regarding delays in issuing national identity cards to Kenyans in the US.
“The delays in processing IDs are due to a manual process,” he explained. Citizens must travel across the US for in-person applications.
Mudavadi acknowledged the automation challenges, citing budget constraints. “Consular services managed to process about 2,500 IDs across various cities,” he reported.
He continued, “Automation and technology are things we are pursuing, but there are delays we hope to navigate.” Resource allocation remains a significant challenge.
Mudavadi also announced a focus on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to improve healthcare services in Kenya. “The government is dedicated to promoting PPPs as a key strategy for growth in critical sectors,” he stated.
His remarks followed a meeting with senior officials from GE HealthCare, aimed at discussing their partnership. Mudavadi praised GE HealthCare’s contributions to transformative initiatives, including Kenya’s first public-sector comprehensive cancer center.
