A government directive requiring all payments for government services to be made on a single playbill has been challenged in court.
According to a petition signed by professors Frederick Ogola and Bernard Okello, the closure of all government digital payment platforms to allow the integration of all government services into a single digital payment platform is unconstitutional.
They claim that there was no public participation or framework in the implementation of the single digital payment system.
They argue that because there is no mechanism for enforcing accountability, Kenyans will suffer if the court does not issue orders prohibiting the implementation of the same.
They argue that a single digital payment does not promote the distinctness of national and county governments.
Duty judge Hedwig Ongudi has certified the matter as urgent and ordered that the petition be served on the respondents.
The matter will be mentioned on 4 of next month to confirm compliance and for further directions .
In June this year president William Ruto directed state agencies to shut down multiple paybill numbers to allow Kenyans pay for services using a single channel.
According to the president the move is aimed at centralising payment of government services and increasing accountability.
