By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, May 07 2026 - Kenyans could soon enjoy free access to some government services on the eCitizen platform, even as the State moves to increase charges on higher-value transactions under a new fee structure.
The government has proposed that all eCitizen transactions below Sh100 be exempt from convenience fees, a shift that could ease the cost burden for millions of users making low-value payments.
The proposal is part of broader reforms under the Public Finance Management (eCitizen System Management) Regulations, 2026, which aim to replace the current flat Sh50 convenience fee with a tiered system based on the value of the service.
Under the new structure, services costing below Sh99 will be free, while those priced between Sh100 and Sh499 will attract a minimal Sh5 fee. Transactions between Sh500 and Sh9,999 will retain a Sh50 charge, with higher tiers rising to Sh70 and Sh100 for more expensive services.
This means that basic services such as account creation, information searches, and other low-cost government services could become free, marking a significant shift from the current system where all transactions attract a uniform fee.
The move appears to be a balancing act by the Treasury , on one hand easing access for low-income users, while on the other increasing charges on higher-value services to boost non-tax revenue collections.
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Treasury officials argue that the revised structure is necessary to sustain the growing demand for digital government services, with the eCitizen platform now hosting over 30,000 services and handling billions of shillings in daily transactions.
However, the proposal comes amid ongoing public scrutiny over the cost of accessing government services online.
Previous attempts to impose the Sh50 convenience fee were challenged in court, with judges ruling it illegal and discriminatory, prompting the government to seek a legal framework to anchor the charges.
If approved, the changes will have a mixed impact. For ordinary Kenyans making small transactions, the reforms could offer some relief. But for those accessing higher-value services such as passports, business registrations, and land-related payments, the cost of convenience is set to rise.
In essence, the new model signals a shift toward a more targeted fee system , one that makes basic access cheaper, but places a heavier burden on larger transactions as the government looks to strengthen its revenue streams through digital platforms.