Estonia celebrates 100% e-Govt gains, invites Kenya to explore, learn

Estonia has launched a global campaign to celebrate the achievement of 100% digital government services and has invited the Kenyan public and private sector players to learn more about this development.

Kenya and other global audiences can explore Estonia’s digital achievements through the e-Estonia Briefing Centre in Tallinn, which promotes Estonia’s innovations and fosters international business connections for local ICT companies.

As of December 2024, every service – even filing for divorce – is completed online, marking a new era in citizen-centric governance. This achievement positions Estonia as a global leader in digital governance and sets a benchmark for nations worldwide.

“Estonia is with me, everywhere,” former President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid said. “Whether signing state documents from Antarctica or voting on a bus in Luxembourg, I’ve never felt cut off as a citizen, no matter where I’ve been. Estonia has proven that the red tape so many accept as inevitable is not necessary—we’ve fixed it. We remain committed to leading the way in building an even more seamless digital future.”

Estonia’s Export Advisor in Kenya and Eastern Africa, Joel Karubiu, added. “In Kenya,we have made significant strides to ensure that many of the citizen services can be accessed digitally.”

Among the 5,000 government services available online via the e-citizen portal in Kenya are the registration of birth, search for company records, processing a passport,visa applications, and making payments for government services. The key to this success is premised on the interoperability of various systems that include cashless payments for the services rendered.

Karubiu notes several things that have helped Estonia in this journey, including the state-issued digital identity for all its nationals. This electronic identity system, called e-ID, has existed for over 20 years and is a cornerstone of the country’s e-state. The e-ID and its ecosystem are used by citizens for daily transactions from paying bills, voting online, signing contracts, shopping, accessing health information, and much more. Some other interesting services handled online in Estonia include the E-marriage, which enables people to get married by submitting a marriage application online via the e-population register.

The final service to be digitalised was divorce, a complex and emotionally sensitive process. By bringing this service online, Estonia has demonstrated its ability to innovate even in areas requiring nuance and care. Couples can now submit applications digitally, access pre-filled forms, and finalise their divorce with minimal stress. Since its launch, 53% of divorce applications have already been filed online, reflecting the efficiency and convenience of the service.

“Digitalising divorce reflects Estonia’s commitment to making even the most complex life events simpler and more accessible,” Head of the Population Facts Department at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior Enel Pungas said. It’s not just about technology; it’s about creating services that meet people’s needs during challenging times.”

Head of the Population Facts Department at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior Enel Pungas.

The service includes a mandatory 30-day reflection period, ensuring thoughtful decision-making. It also provides tools for dividing marital property and offers guidance for families navigating custody agreements, reinforcing the state’s dedication to user-centric solutions. Beyond divorce, Estonia’s digital governance has seen significant adoption, with 85% of birth registrations and 56% of marriage applications now completed digitally.

On growing Kenya-Estonia relations, several Estonian companies have partnered with local companies to digitise educational resources, while some have also launched their online businesses in Kenya. Last year, a group of Kenyan students received scholarships to study e-gaming in Estonia, aimed at enabling Estonian companies to develop content for the Kenyan market.

About Estonia

Estonia is a global leader in digital innovation and a pioneer of e-governance. By integrating technology with transparency and efficiency, Estonia has created one of the most sophisticated digital nations in the world.

The country offers exceptional opportunities for business, innovation and tourism.

e-Estonia showcases Estonia’s innovative digital society, pioneering e-governance, e-residency, and cutting-edge digital solutions. Trade with Estonia connects enterprises to a dynamic, innovation-driven economy, providing access to global markets. Visit Estonia highlights Estonia as a destination where nature and culture meet innovation, offering travellers a unique blend of medieval charm, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant modern city vibes.

This project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

A Blueprint for Digital Governance

Estonia’s achievement highlights its innovative approach to governance:

  • 100% online services: Estonia has eliminated bureaucracy through seamless digital solutions.
  • Scalable innovations: Estonia’s e-government model is open for adoption worldwide, offering tools and systems that any nation can implement.
  • Human-centric technology: Estonia prioritises simplicity and accessibility, empowering citizens while ensuring security and transparency.

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