Kenyan Government Plans To Launch A Digital Identification System In December 2023

Kenyan President William Ruto (photo: Twitter @WilliamsRuto)

The Kenyan government plans to launch its digital identification system in December 2023 after a trial period of several months. According to Kenyan President William Ruto, in a speech at Kenya's East Africa Device Assembly plant in Athi River, quoted by local media on October 30.

"Digital identity, which has been a major problem for us, is currently in testing mode for the next two months. I have been guaranteed by all stakeholders and ministries concerned that in December we will be able to launch digital identities," Ruto said, quoted by VOI from Cointelegraph.

Digital identity will be introduced in the country, along with Maisha Namba, a lifetime private identification number system given to Kenyans during registration. This joint identity system will help the country digitize its register and provide faster access to citizens for government, educational and medical resources.

"The digital identity system will provide a safe and reliable way for Kenyans to verify their identities for various purposes, including accessing government services, opening bank accounts, and traveling. This will also help reduce fraud and corruption, as well as increase efficiency," said the Main Secretary of Immigration and Population Services, Julius Bitok, last August.

In September, Bitok encouraged private businesses to embrace digital identification systems, as they "allow innovative solutions such as mobile banking and agency networks, which are changing the e-commerce process." He promised that the government would ensure digital identity designs would "facilitate trade and facilitate business transactions."

In June 2023, the Central Bank of Kenya expressed its doubts about the need to implement central bank digital currencies in the short to medium term, referring to "other innovative solutions around existing ecosystems" that can address Kenya's payment "problems".