Makueni has become the first County to integrate into the Safaricom-powered myCounty platform.
Speaking during the launch of the App Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior said it was created to ensure efficiency in service delivery, transparency, and visibility this creating trust in Governments’ operations.
“For far too long service delivery to our people has been plagued by inequality, inefficiency, and inaccessibility. We have seen how these challenges have impacted the lives of our citizens and have hindered our county’s progress,” said Mutula in his speech.
“It is with this realization and understanding that the government of Makueni through ICT education and internship forge this partnership with Safaricom to craft this digital platform to serve the people of Makueni,” he added.
Mutula disclosed that the app will not only offer digital services but also enable citizens to hold accountable the County Government of Makueni thus fostering trust and confidence in the County’s operations.
This is because the app will facilitate locals to communicate and complain about County officers not doing their duties as expected.
“I will be able to receive complaints against my officers even if they are in Mtito Andei. This morning I received a text message about an officer so now they will be sending to this app,” said Mutula.
The Governor noted that the app will reduce paper usage considering the environment which will translate to low cost and environmental benefits.
The platform will also enable the Governor to lead a people-centered Government that provides a level playing field for all members of the society thus giving back power to the locals by allowing their voices to be heard and their contributions recognized.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa in his speech congratulated the Governor for his leading nature saying the technology will eliminate middlemen and reduce expenses incurred by locals seeking services.
“This is a new way for Kenyans across the country to access county like licensing, parking, to report issues, get news, and so on. It will save time on travel and reduce manual payment of services too,” said Ndegwa.
Safaricom plans to gradually include all 47 counties in the coming months.
“The service will be available for all 47 counties as a smartphone app, web portal and shortcode and will integrate both current and upcoming services irrespective of the County’s provider of choice, and in addition, provide a management portal,” Ndegwa added.
Counties will also benefit from additional capabilities including revenue management, cash and bank reconciliation, credit control and debt management, and business intelligence systems.
