In a dynamic move that echoes the spirit of collaboration and innovation, MyCounty App is sweeping across Kenyan counties, transforming the way citizens interact with local governments. This all-in-one application, introduced earlier this year in Makueni, has since gained momentum, with an additional ten counties embracing its capabilities within the past four months.
The counties that have joined the MyCounty App revolution include Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Bomet, Narok, Kitui, Busia, Kilifi, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kajiado. This digital solution is designed to empower citizens by offering a seamless experience for paying for county government services and engaging with county leadership.
At the heart of this initiative lies a collaborative spirit between Safaricom and the various counties. Safaricom, a telecommunications giant in Kenya, has worked closely with local governments to co-create and integrate the MyCounty App into existing systems. This partnership signifies a bold stride towards digitizing devolution, aligning public and private sectors to cater to the needs of all Kenyans.
Speaking at the ongoing Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, highlighted the significance of this endeavor: “Digitising devolution is a collaborative agenda bringing together the public and private sector to serve all Kenyans. With guidance from the leadership of various counties, Safaricom is integrating the MyCounty App channels to the various systems.”
The MyCounty App offers accessibility through a variety of channels, catering to different user preferences. It’s available on Android and iOS devices, as a Mini App within the M-PESA Super App, through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), and on the Web for desktop and laptop users. This multifaceted approach ensures that citizens from all walks of life can conveniently access and utilize the app’s features.
In a parallel stride towards collaboration, Safaricom has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Governors. This MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in diverse areas, reinforcing the commitment to enhance various aspects of governance and service delivery. Among the key areas outlined in the MoU are IT security and cyber security guidelines, boosting Own Source revenue, strengthening knowledge management through the Maarifa Centre, engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, and fostering capacity building.
More than just a partnership, this MoU signifies a shared vision for a brighter future. Collaboration, as highlighted by Ndegwa, is more than a tool for progress; it’s a bridge that spans challenges and brings together diverse stakeholders to collectively address complex issues. Through this approach, Safaricom and the Council of Governors are paving the way for a more digitally empowered and inclusive county governance system.
As the MyCounty App expands its reach, and collaborations deepen, the landscape of county services in Kenya is poised for a transformative shift. This journey marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of citizen-government interactions, embodying the ethos of unity, innovation, and progress.
Leave a Reply