How To Create An eCitizen Account In Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya — The eCitizen platform provides access to various government services online for citizens and residents of Kenya. With an eCitizen account, you can apply for a variety of documents and permits, pay bills, access business registration services, and more. This guide will walk you through the steps for creating your own eCitizen account.

What is eCitizen?

eCitizen is an online portal developed by the Kenyan government to enable citizens, residents, and visitors access to essential services online. Through the platform, you can apply for national ID cards, passports, birth certificates, driving licenses and more from wherever you are, cutting down on time spent queuing at government offices.

The portal was launched in 2013 and continues to expand the services offered. Creating an account provides a secure, convenient way to access and utilize these services.

Benefits of eCitizen Account

Having an eCitizen account provides numerous benefits:

• Convenience — Apply for documents and permits anytime, anywhere online. Avoid long queues at government offices.
• Efficiency — Applications are processed faster compared to manual applications. Track progress online.
• Cost-savings — Lower fees for some services compared to in-person application. Save on transport and time costs.
• Security — Secure personal information under your account. Safe online payments.
• Accessibility — Available 24/7. Access services from anywhere with internet connection.

eCitizen Account Requirements

To create an eCitizen account, you need:

• ID number — National ID or passport number. This will be verified.
• Email address — Valid and accessible email for verification and communication.
• Phone number — Active Kenyan mobile number. Will be used for OTP verification.
• Payment method — MPesa or debit/credit card for paying fees online.
• Personal details — Accurate personal info for successful application processing.

Step 1 — Visit eCitizen Website

Go to the eCitizen portal at https://www.ecitizen.go.ke. On the homepage, click on “Create an Account”.

Alternatively, you can download and install the eCitizen mobile app on your Android or iOS device and tap on “Register”.

Step 2 — Enter Personal Details

On the new account form, fill in the required personal details accurately:

• Full names
• ID/Passport number
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Phone number
• Gender

Ensure your ID number matches the one on your national ID or passport.

Step 3 — Set Account Credentials

Create your account credentials:

• Username — This will be your eCitizen ID for login
• Password — Create a strong password

Confirm the password and click “Register”.

An OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided.

Step 4 — Verify Mobile Number via OTP

Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your phone and click “Verify”.

This confirms your mobile number.

Step 5 — Verify Email Address

Check your email inbox for an account verification email from eCitizen.

Open the email and click on the verification link provided.

This will confirm and activate your eCitizen account.

Step 6 — Set Up Security Questions

On your account, set up three security questions and answers.

These may be required to verify your identity when accessing certain services or resetting your password.

Step 7 — Login to Account

You can now login to your eCitizen account using your username and password credentials.

On the portal, explore the available services and begin applying for the documents you need.

How to Apply for Services on eCitizen

With your account set up, you can now utilize the services on eCitizen. Here is a quick guide for applying for a passport as an example:

• Login and click “Apply for Services”
• Under “Travel Documents”, select “Apply for Passport”
• Fill in the online application form accurately
• Upload supporting documents (ID, photos etc.)
• Make payment for passport fees via Mpesa or card
• Track application status under “My Applications”
• A notification will be sent once passport is ready for collection

Follow similar steps when applying for other documents like national ID, birth certificate, business permits etc.

How to Pay for eCitizen Services

You can pay fees for any service using:

• Mpesa — Follow prompts to enter Mpesa PIN for deduction from Mpesa account.
• Debit/Credit Card — Enter your visa or mastercard details to pay.
• eCitizen Wallet — Top up your wallet on the portal then pay from wallet balance.

Payment must be made before submission of any application.

How to Track eCitizen Application Status

To check progress of your applications:

• Login to your account
• Go to “My Applications”
• Click on the service applied for
• The status indicates where the application is in processing
• Most services will notify you via email/SMS when ready

You can also contact eCitizen support for any queries.

How to Reset eCitizen Account Password

If you forget your password:

• On login page, click “Forgot Password”
• Enter username and click submit
• Answer your security questions correctly
• You will receive a password reset link via email
• Use the link to create a new password and regain access

eCitizen Account Login Troubleshooting

If you have difficulties accessing your account, try the following:

• Ensure username typed is correct
• Reset password if forgotten
• Check internet connection
• Clear browser cookies and cache
• Use “Forgot Username” to retrieve username
• Contact eCitizen customer care for help

eCitizen Mobile App

In addition to the web portal, you can also download and install the eCitizen app available for Android and iOS devices.

The app allows you to access the same services conveniently from your mobile phone.

• Download from PlayStore or AppStore
• Register account or login
• Apply for services, make payments, track applications
• Receive notifications on application status

Keep your app updated to enjoy optimal performance.

Conclusion

An eCitizen account enables Kenyans and residents to access and engage with government services online efficiently. With a few simple steps, you can register for an account and begin applying for crucial documents like national ID cards, passports and more. Keep your details in the account updated for a smooth experience. For any issues, don’t hesitate to contact eCitizen customer support.