The Kenyan government plans to roll out its digital identification system in December 2023 after the testing period, which will take a couple of months. The digital ID system will be introduced alongside "Maisha Namba," a lifelong personal identification number system for citizens.


The Kenyan government is preparing to launch its digital identification system in December 2023, following a two-month testing phase. President William Ruto announced this plan during a speech at the East Africa Device Assembly Kenya plant in Athi River on October 30th.


The digital identification system, which has been in development for some time, is expected to simplify identity verification for Kenyan citizens. It will be rolled out alongside "Maisha Namba," a system of lifelong personal identification numbers assigned to Kenyan citizens upon registration. This joint ID system aims to digitize various registries and enhance citizens' access to state, educational, and medical resources.


Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of Immigration and Citizen Services, explained that the digital identity system will offer a secure and reliable means of verifying identity for various purposes, including accessing government services, opening bank accounts, and facilitating travel. It is also expected to reduce instances of fraud and corruption while improving overall efficiency.


Bitok encouraged private businesses to embrace digital ID systems, as they can enable innovative solutions such as mobile banking and agent networks, streamlining e-commerce processes. The government is committed to designing the digital ID to facilitate commerce and make business transactions more convenient.


In June 2023, the Central Bank of Kenya expressed reservations about the immediate need for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and indicated that it was exploring alternative solutions within the existing ecosystem to address payment-related challenges. The government is prioritizing the rollout of the digital identification system to enhance citizen services and promote efficient access to various resources.


(DAVID ATTLEE, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)