The many readers who write to us concerned about the malfunction of the etakenya.go.ke website and the related inefficiencies and delays in the issuing of electronic travel authorisation, must be patient and understand that Kenya's problem with online services doesn't only concern tourists and travel. These days, many national websites and portals are experiencing downtime.
The one for the Eta release has actually been reported as being under maintenance and upgrading since the beginning of March, but apparently it has also been attacked by hackers who tried to enter the payment system and divert it for their own benefit. For a few days, in fact, it was not possible to pay for authorisation with a Kenyan credit card. This is certainly the least of the problems, given that the vast majority of tourists who come to Kenya use a card from their country of origin or residence.

Some agencies have also reported problems with visas for third parties, but generally speaking, after a few attempts Eta arrives and even if it doesn't, the payment receipt can be used as proof at airport check-in and on arrival in Nairobi or Mombasa.
The situation is different, however, with regard to the NTSA website of the Kenyan Department of Motor Vehicles, which affects all residents who own, want to buy or sell a vehicle, but also those who need to apply for or renew their Kenyan or international driving licence, request a new licence booklet and those who need to change the number plate on their car, to switch to the digital one with the microchip that will soon (but it's not yet clear when) become compulsory.
NTSA has admitted the problems with the online system and expressed its regret for the unavailability of its services. In a statement released yesterday, the authority said that the technical team has started working to resolve the problem and restore the service.

As you know, since last year, the NTSA, like almost all public services whose practices are carried out only online, has migrated to the government's single portal, ecitizen. This allows the state to channel all payments to a single number or bank account, avoiding dispersions and malfunctions, in good or bad faith. President Ruto's intention is that all this should reduce corruption. However, the possible relationship between the discontent of those who previously benefited from the old methods and the malfunctioning of the sites remains to be established...
In a domino effect that could also be random, other minor sites that are no less indispensable to certain categories of residents and tourists have also experienced problems in recent days. Jambojet, Kenya Airways' domestic flights company, has also issued a statement apologising for the problems affecting its website.
The long road towards the complete digitalisation of the country is still full of potholes, obstacles and unexpected events. A bit like real roads.