This archive report was first published on 22 October 2021.
On Mashujaa Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the government's plan to introduce new Identification Cards with microchip features.
As part of the ongoing digitization efforts, the new ID aims to eliminate the use of false identities by terrorists and other criminals in the country.
According to Uhuru, the microchip technology will also enhance the security of the current identity card by mitigating against emerging security threats such as identity theft, fraud in financial transactions, and the creation of false identities.
“Digitization aims to eliminate the duplication of efforts in data collection, processing, storage, and production of identification documents which has been a feature of government operations since the dawn of the Republic,” Uhuru explained.
The new identification documents will also allow Kenyan citizens to cross borders within the East Africa Community (EAC) countries without requiring a passport.
Published on October 20, 2021.
