Deputy President William Ruto has said the Government will soon abolish cash payments in government ministries and institutions and instead adopt electronic money transfer and other digital forms.
Ruto said 94 per cent of government transactions were still conducted through cash payments, noting they will soon stop accepting cash but rather opt for other electronic transactions such as mobile services and credit cards.
"We have embarked on fully maximising technology by shifting the payment system to digital format and the move will not only limit the wasteful use of cash and manipulation but also assist in curbing persistent corruption," said Ruto.
Speaking yesterday during the launch of laptops and tablets assembling plant at Moi University, Rivatex in Eldoret, he said the move will be beneficial to all citizens as they will access government services through technological advancement.
He said the Government is dedicated to its pledge on implementing the laptop project for Standard One pupils. "This is what we expect to see in all institutions of higher learning and it complements what we have done with Jomo Kenyatta University in ensuring that we make use of the skills and innovation to provide laptops and other digital gadgets to our citizens," he said.
Ruto, who was accompanied by Education Principal Secretary Kipsang Belio, area Governor Jackson Mandago, Moi University Vice Chancellor Richard Mibey among a host of legislators stressed the need for universities to establish a policy which will oversee the advancement of technology through innovation.
"ICT and in particular technology is an important lever and tool in service delivery and wealth creation. We expect institutions to make use of their skills positively in enhancing establishment and assembling of digital gadgets," he siad.
The DP maintained that it would be mandatory for all government ministries to shift from conventional mode of procurement towards E- procurement by the end of the year.
He observed that the change will be ideal in ensuring that all government services are efficient and easily accessible by the public.
"All principal secretaries and head of parastatals should proceed with E- procurement platform, which will assist the citizens who want to access services," he added. He was also categorical that there is need for government transactions to be done through the digital process.
While lauding the efforts made at Rivatex, Ruto called on other institutions to opt for purchasing textile materials from the institution instead of procuring them abroad.
"It would be important to support our local industries and their innovations. I expect schools, chiefs, military and other officers to procure their materials directly from Rivatex as directed and they should comply," he noted.
Education Principal Secretary Kipsang Belio noted that the Government is emphasising the need for e-governance in its management policy and urged other stakeholders to borrow a leaf and invest heavily on the application of ICT.
The Vice Chancellor while appreciating the Government for the opportunity to assemble laptops said the launch will provide an opportunity to students in making them ready for the job market where they will be job creators and not seekers.
