The recent revelations about Kenya's e-Citizen platform have raised concerns over the management and future of digital government services in the country. At least KES 144 million ($1.1 million) collected through the platform is unaccounted for, adding to its history of mismanagement. These issues arise amid discussions on privatizing key government functions, with Webmasters Kenya, a private firm, still managing the platform years after winning a court case over its ownership.

The proposal to introduce premium charges for expedited services on the e-Citizen platform has fueled speculation that the government is considering a subscription-based model that could limit access to public services. This has sparked debate over the privatization of government services, with some arguing that private corporations can provide these services more efficiently and at a lower cost. However, research suggests that this assumption is flawed, as privatization often leads to costly contract modifications, unforeseen expenses, and prioritization of profit over public interest.

The e-Citizen case illustrates the risks of privatizing essential government services. Despite the government's legal victory, Webmasters Kenya's continued control over the platform raises concerns about contractual loopholes and the state's ability to maintain public control over critical digital infrastructure. The missing KES 144 million highlights the lack of transparency in managing public funds, mirroring past corruption cases linked to e-Citizen, including the KES 5.6 billion ($44 million) probe that implicated treasury officials and private sector executives.

Privatizing public services shifts incentives, as private firms operate for profit, often leading to cost-cutting, increased fees, and exclusion of lower-income users. This could create a two-tiered system, where those who can afford to pay for faster service enjoy priority access, while others endure delays. The implications of such a system are far-reaching, contradicting the principle that essential government functions should be accessible to all.

The global trend of public service monetization, often justified in the name of efficiency, is a cause for concern. In the U.S., for instance, healthcare privatization has led to exorbitant costs, with corporate profiteering taking priority over service quality. Kenya's approach to e-Citizen seems headed in a similar direction, where private firms dictate access and pricing.

One of the biggest risks of privatizing government services is the lack of long-term commitment to public welfare. While government employees often go beyond their formal job descriptions to keep services running despite inefficiencies, private contractors operate strictly within contract terms, demanding extra compensation for additional work. This becomes problematic for essential services that require flexibility. A subscription model for e-Citizen would worsen this, as private entities would prioritize revenue over equitable service access.

Kenya's slow and inefficient public services, such as those provided by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), have fueled arguments for privatization. However, the solution is not necessarily privatization but internal reforms addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Many inefficiencies stem from poor management, outdated processes, and corruption, not an inherent inability of the government to provide quality services. Handing services to private firms without addressing these issues simply shifts the problem rather than solving it.

The government's budgeting approach also contributes to inefficiencies. The current model incentivizes departments to exhaust their budgets to avoid future reductions, encouraging wastage. While this inefficiency is often cited as a reason for privatization, shifting to a profit-driven model does not necessarily solve the problem. Instead, it introduces new challenges, such as inflated service costs and exclusionary practices that disadvantage lower-income citizens.

The proposal for premium charges on e-Citizen services reflects a broader trend of creeping privatization, where essential government functions are subjected to market forces. If left unchecked, this could lead to a scenario where access to basic services depends on financial ability rather than citizenship rights. As Kenya navigates the complexities of digital government services, it is crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability, and equitable access to ensure that public services remain a right, not a privilege.