President William Ruto has issued a directive to shut down more than 1,000 PayBill numbers currently utilized for the collection of payments related to government services within the next 90 days.

The move comes as part of the State's new digital services initiative, which aims to streamline financial transactions and enhance transparency in the government's revenue collection processes.

Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), President Ruto unveiled the government's new digital payment platform and emphasized that Kenyans will soon be required to use a single PayBill number, specifically 222222, for all payments pertaining to government services.

This centralized approach aims to address the existing challenge of unaccounted PayBill numbers used by various government agencies.

"All government money will be paid through 222222 directly to the Treasury and then the Treasury will make sure that that whole eco-system works. If there is money going to a particular ministry, the Treasury will ensure that the cash goes to the respective ministry and agencies," said Ruto.

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Ruto stressed the importance of the designated government pay channel, emphasizing the need for all government revenue to be processed through the 222222 PayBill number.

During his address, President Ruto stated that the measure will enable the Treasury to effectively monitor and oversee all government service payments.

"There is a dedicated government pay channel, 222222. The expectation of the government is that all government revenue must now use the pay channel so that Treasury can have sight of every government service that is paid for," he said.

"I am going to be making an announcement here that in the next 90 days, all other PayBills must be shut down because we have a problem with some of the PayBills that we cannot account for. We have close to over 1,000 PayBills, some of which we don't have sight of. They must now be closed."

The President further highlighted that once payments are made through the designated PayBill number, the Treasury will assume responsibility for disbursing the funds to the respective ministries and agencies.

By centralizing the payment process, the Treasury aims to ensure a smooth and efficient financial ecosystem within the government.

President Ruto's directive aims to enhance accountability, combat financial irregularities, and improve the transparency of government revenue management.

The closure of the non-compliant PayBill numbers will enable the government to establish a comprehensive record of all financial transactions related to government services.

As the transition takes place, citizens are urged to familiarize themselves with the new PayBill number, 222222, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payment for government services.

The government remains committed to providing efficient and accountable services to the citizens of Kenya, and this move is a significant step towards achieving that goal.