- Kenya has launched two digital platforms to manage presidential directives and foreign travel approvals for senior government officials.
- The platforms, the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS), aim to enhance efficiency and transparency in government operations.
- PDMIS is accessible exclusively to Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, allowing them to download directives through their respective portals, thereby eliminating the need for hard copies. FOTIMS is also accessible to authorised personnel involved in the foreign travel approval process.
PDMIS is designed to track and manage directives issued by the President, ensuring they are implemented efficiently and transparently. FOTIMS automates the approval process for foreign travel by senior government officials, replacing the manual system.
This initiative addresses public concerns about unfulfilled government promises.
Commenting on the launch, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua noted, “The launch of the FOTIMS and PDMIS digital platforms is part of the Government’s efforts to enhance governance and streamline public service delivery through digital transformation."
He added, “These two platforms will be vital in increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the government, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving enhanced operational efficiency and governance.”
The launch of PDMIS comes after the country experienced a ruckus over the controversial Kenya Finance Bill 2024. The bill proposed changes to Kenya's tax system, including tax increases, aiming to raise $2.7 billion in additional revenue to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing.
The bill was introduced in May, passed its second reading, and proceeded to the committee stage. However, President William Ruto declined to sign the bill, as it faced strong opposition and even sparked protests. The President returned the bill to Parliament for further consideration.
Aside from a government officials-focused foreign travel digital platform, in December 2023, Kenya launched a digital platform that eliminates the need for visa applications allowing global travellers to obtain an electronic travel authorisation through the system. This was a month after it scrapped visa requirements for Africans.
