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eCitizen invoice generation flow

Log in, apply, generate the invoice reference, then pay via paybill 222222. Four worked services.

AO
by Reviewed by Michael Mwangi 10 min read Updated 26 August 2026Verified 26 Aug 2026

Since the 2024 government consolidation onto single paybill 222222, every eCitizen payment must be tied to a pre-generated invoice reference. The paybill accepts money without one, but the money then sits in a suspense ledger while a human at the relevant agency figures out where to route it. This guide shows the correct invoice flow for the four services we get the most questions on, plus how to recover a lost reference.

The basic flow

  1. Go to accounts.ecitizen.go.ke.
  2. Log in with your ID number and password. First time: click Create an Account, verify by SMS.
  3. Pick the agency from the dashboard (Immigration, NTSA, Business Registration Service, Civil Registration, DCI, KRA, Judiciary, etc.).
  4. Complete the application form for the specific service.
  5. Submit. eCitizen returns a summary page with an Invoice Number (or Payment Reference). Copy it exactly, including any letters. This is your account number.
  6. Open M-PESA. Choose Lipa na M-PESA then Pay Bill. Business number 222222. Account: the invoice reference. Amount: the exact figure shown on the summary.
  7. Enter PIN, confirm. eCitizen auto-reconciles within 1 to 5 minutes and moves the application to Paid, Processing.

Worked example: passport (Immigration)

  1. Log in, pick Directorate of Immigration Services.
  2. Choose Apply for a Passport. Select passport class (A, B, or C).
  3. Fill personal details, upload photo, biometric booking preference (Nyayo House, Kisumu, Mombasa, or a Huduma Centre).
  4. Submit. eCitizen calculates the fee based on class and generates an invoice reference like EC-25062300012345.
  5. Pay via 222222 with that reference.
  6. Book biometrics slot from the same portal once payment is marked received.

Worked example: driving licence (NTSA)

  1. Log in, pick NTSA (TIMS).
  2. Choose Driving Licence then Renew Licence (or Apply for New).
  3. Select validity period (1, 3, or a longer term where offered).
  4. Confirm; NTSA generates the invoice reference.
  5. Pay via 222222.
  6. Print the new smart-card licence stub or await courier delivery.

Worked example: business name (BRS)

  1. Log in, pick Business Registration Service.
  2. Choose Register a Business Name.
  3. Reserve the name (small fee), wait for approval.
  4. Complete BN/1 form. eCitizen generates the invoice for the registration fee.
  5. Pay via 222222.
  6. Certificate of Registration is issued to your dashboard within 24 to 72 hours.

Worked example: Good Conduct certificate (DCI)

  1. Log in, pick Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
  2. Choose Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct).
  3. Fill personal details and select biometric capture centre.
  4. Submit. Invoice reference generated.
  5. Pay via 222222.
  6. Book fingerprinting appointment. Certificate issued to your dashboard once DCI clears the check.

Recovering a lost invoice reference

  1. Log in at accounts.ecitizen.go.ke.
  2. Under My Payments, filter by Pending. Every open invoice is listed with the amount and generation date.
  3. Click through to reprint the summary. Copy the reference.
  4. USSD alternative: dial *217#, select the agency; the menu prompts for the last active invoice.

Sources

  1. eCitizen portal, accounts.ecitizen.go.ke, retrieved 26 August 2026.
  2. Kenya Gazette Notice consolidating government payments under paybill 222222 (November 2023).
  3. KRA public notice on paybill 222222, kra.go.ke.

FAQ

What is an eCitizen invoice reference?

It is the unique payment identifier that eCitizen generates when you complete an application for a paid service. It is the account number you enter on M-PESA paybill 222222. Each invoice is tied to one specific application; do not reuse an old one.

Can I pay directly on paybill 222222 without generating an invoice first?

Yes M-PESA accepts the payment, but the money is not attributable to any service. It lands in the eCitizen suspense ledger and you must chase for re-attribution. Always generate the invoice first.

How long is an eCitizen invoice valid?

Most invoices are valid for 7 days from generation. Some services (passport, licences) hold the invoice open until paid or explicitly cancelled. Once paid, the invoice is closed and cannot be reused.

I lost my invoice reference. What now?

Log back in at accounts.ecitizen.go.ke. Under My Payments or My Applications, you can retrieve any open invoice. Alternatively dial *217# and select the service; it prompts for the last active invoice.