By Elijah Odhiambo
A new platform, myCounty app enables all 47 counties in Kenya to digitize all their services in one place, providing a single, citizen access channel.
The service powered by Safaricom was launched in April 2023, with Makueni County as the first county to integrate with the platform.
It works similar to eCitizen, where the government plugs in its services for Kenyans to access them digitally, it has since onboarded more than 4,000 services, and the goal is to hit the 5,000-mark by June 2023.
What you need to know about the app?
With the app, users can access and pay for county services, including parking fees, land rates, business permits, market cess, energy bills, and more.
The platform also has tools for citizen reporting and interaction, revenue management systems, and initiatives for agriculture, health, and SMEs.
MyCounty is available as a smartphone app (Android and iOS), a web portal, and a USSD short code. Users can also access county services and payments through a mini-app on the M-PESA Super App.
How to use myCounty
To use myCounty, you need to download the app from Google Play Store or App Store, or visit the web portal at www.mycounty.co.ke.
You can also dial *888# from your Safaricom line to access the USSD menu.
Once you open the app or the web portal, you will be asked to select your county of residence. This will link you to the specific county’s services for processing of requests. You can also access services from other counties by selecting them from the menu.
- For example, if you select Kisumu County as your county of residence, you will see the following services available:
- Parking fees
- Single business permit
- Land rates
- Property rates
- Market cess
- Utility bills
- Health services
- Agriculture services
- SME programs
- Sema na Governor (Speak to Governor)
- Emergency services
Payment for services in the app
If you want to pay for any of these services, you need to enter the required details, such as vehicle registration number, plot number, business name, etc. You will then be prompted to confirm the amount and pay using M-PESA. You will receive a confirmation message and a receipt for your payment.
To report an issue or engage with your governor, you can use the Sema na Governor feature. This allows you to send a message or voice note to your governor or county officials. You can also listen to online radio channels that broadcast county news and updates.
To request for emergency services, such as fire brigade, ambulance, police, etc., you can use the Emergency Services feature. This allows you to tap a button and call the relevant service provider directly from the app.
Benefits of Safaricom MyCounty
MyCounty offers several benefits for both county governments and citizens. Some of these benefits are:
It is convenient: Using their smartphones or feature phones, users can access county services at any time and place and pay for them. They don’t need to go to county offices or stand in line to make manual payments.
It is transparenct: Using the app or the web site, users may monitor their receipts and payments. The Sema na Governor feature also allows them to report any problems or grievances.
It is efficienct: Using the platform, county governments can increase revenue collection and management. Using analytics and reporting, they may also keep an eye on their performance and service delivery.
Innovation: County governments can use Safaricom’s know-how and infrastructure to provide digital solutions for a range of industries, including SMEs, agriculture, and healthcare.
Counties where the app has been launched
With its first launch in Makueni county, the app has now been unveiled in several counties including; Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori Nandi, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia and Vihiga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Baringo, Embu, and Garissa.
