Murang’a rolls out AI-powered app to boost service delivery

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata during the launch of MyMurang'a app at Kimorori grounds in Kenol on April 18, 2026 /ALICE WAITHERA

Murang'a residents areset to benefit from faster, more transparent and convenient access to county government services following the rollout of an artificial intelligence-powered app.

MyMurang’a app will allow residents to apply for permits, access health services, track payments and even receive legal and farming advice directly from their mobile phones.

Governor Irungu Kang'ata said the application is designed to eliminate long queues and delays associated with manual systems.

He spoke during the launch at Kimorori grounds in Kenol on Saturday.

“MyMurang’a App represents our vision for a modern, efficient and transparent government. By digitising our services, we are saving time for our peole, improving accountability and opening up new opportunities for growth,” he said.

The app integrates services from all county departments into a single digital platform, enabling residents to interact with the government seamlessly without visiting physical offices.

Through the platform, users can apply and pay for business permits, liquor licences and food hygiene certificates, access land services such as searches and development approvals, book clinic appointments and apply for bursaries and youth programmes.

The system also allows residents to check how much they have paid to the county over time, improving financial transparency and accountability.

The app further leverages AI to enhance service delivery, with tools such as an AI legal chatbot that offers instant legal guidance and connects users to pro bono services.

It also includes an AI-powered plant health advisory that provides farmers with real-time insights on pests, diseases and best agricultural practices.

“Through this platform, residents cannot only access services but also get timely information that improves their livelihoods, especially in agriculture,” Kang’ata added.

The platform will also strengthen governance by giving residents access to cabinet decisions, budget allocations and project implementation data, while also providing channels for public participation, feedback and grievance redress.

This is expected to deepen citizen engagement and promote accountability in county operations.

“This platform ensures that every resident has a voice and can track how public resources are being used,” the governor said.

Murang’a’s journey towards digitisation began in 2022 when the county government piloted automation of revenue collection systems.

According to ICT chief officer Meshack Kipkorir, the initial pilot doubled revenue collections, providing a foundation for further reforms.

“When we came in in 2022, the county had no automation at all but we started with revenue collection and saw immediate results which gave us the momentum to digitise other sectors,” he said.

Since then, the county has recorded steady growth in its own-source revenue, increasing from Sh530 million in the 2021-22 financial year to Sh700 million in 2022-23, and further to Sh1.1 billion in 2023-24.

The growth is attributed to reduced leakages, improved efficiency and enhanced compliance driven by digital systems.

“The more revenue we collect, the more resources we have to invest in development projects that directly benefit residents,” Kipkorir said.

Residents will be required to download the app and create an account to access the services.

MyMurang’a App builds on a wide range of digital systems already implemented by the county, including telemedicine services that allow patients to access specialised consultation remotely in select dispensaries.

Others include digital patient records, GIS mapping for urban planning and waste management and automated procurement systems that enhance transparency in public finance.

“These systems have now been integrated into one platform, creating a single digital gateway for all county services. Residents can now apply for services from the comfort of their homes and track their interactions with the county government,” Kipkorir said.

The county is increasingly being viewed as a leader in digital transformation among devolved units, with its model attracting interest from other counties seeking to modernise service delivery.

The county’s progress aligns with the national government’s push towards digitisation of services under platforms such as eCitizen.

Nationally, more than 5,000 services have been digitised, enabling citizens to access key government functions online and reducing reliance on manual processes.

Instant analysis

MyMurang’a app will allow residents to apply for permits, access health services, track payments and even receive legal and farming advice directly from their mobile phones. The platform will also strengthen governance by giving residents access to cabinet decisions, budget allocations and project implementation data, while also providing channels for public participation, feedback and grievance redress.