The service providers behind Kenya's Electronic Authorization (ETA) system are entitled to Sh1.5 billion (about 16 per cent) in commission for works in the past year, Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen told MPs yesterday.
This, he said, was a portion of the Sh6.53 billion generated by the system between the period of January 1, 2024, when President William Ruto directed that the country become Visa free, to February 25,2025. ETA is a system designed to provide advance security screening of travelers before they arrive in the country. The system was introduced last year, and requires visitors to obtain authorisation before entry.
It replaced the previous visa system and was intended to provide a fairer, faster, and more reliable service while addressing the country's security and strategic interests. Murkomen who appeared before the National Assembly plenary to answer to queries on the dates, explained that the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services had engaged a consortium of M/S Travizory Border Security, SA and Konvergence Network Solutions to undertake the implementation of the eTA under a self-financing Public Private Partnership (PPP) piloting framework, shortly after the directive. "For the standard ETA, which costs USD 30, the service provider was paid USD 8.5 while for the United States multiple ETA, which costs USD 160, the service provider was paid USD 15.
As of 25th February, 2025, total number of ETAs applied was 1,596,799 generating USD50,568,810 out of which the Service provider is entitled to USD 12,255,013.50," stated Murkomen. The CS went on to explain that the implementation of the system was a pilot project as the State Department explored ways of localization of the eTA solution.
