Kenya can be seen as one of the few African countries that are latching on fast to the technological trend. The country is also one of the few African countries evolving into the use of digital identities. In this post, we shall check out the trends in identity verification in Kenya.
Kenya’s New Digital Identity Programme
In May, Kenya rolled out their new digital ID program, the “Maisha ecosystem”. This program is segmented into four core parts including a “Maisha number” assigned at birth, a “Maisha card”, which is the physical ID, a virtual “Maisha Digital” alternative, and the “Maisha integrated database” (IPRS) for inter-agency connectivity.
Kenyan government officials are confident that the digital ID program seeks to replace earlier generation IDs and that no person would be subjected to prejudice because of their enrollment status.
New Digital Identity Programme To Replace Old One
Kenya has yet to have any prior digital identity programme in place. In 2014, the Kenyan government rolled out the integrated e-Government services portal; popularly known as eCitizen. This platform allows Kenyans to access government services such as the renewal of driving licenses, applications for passports, business registration services, etc.
The eCitizen platform, which currently serves over 13 million registered users, is closely linked to the new identity programme.
Within the next year or two, the Kenyan government hopes to enlist every one of their 32 million adult citizens into the new identity program.
What Went Wrong With The eCitizen Identity Programme?
The eCitizen platform had several issues including significant outages and security concerns, particularly highlighted by a major outage in 2019. Issues such as lack of clarity on the "convenience fee," illegal activities like cyber fraud and identity theft on the platform, and bribery for passport appointments further complicate the situation.
Experts have emphasised the need for better cybersecurity and more public participation in the platform's governance.
Legal disputes have also arisen over the platform's intellectual property and revenue sharing, involving the Kenyan treasury, Safaricom, Webmasters Kenya, and Goldrock Capital. These conflicts have negatively impacted customer service. Despite high smartphone and internet penetration in Kenya, the eCitizen platform's potential to improve access to government services is hindered by these issues. Effective implementation could make a significant difference, but without improvements, the platform risks becoming another ineffective system.
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Why Is Digital Identity Verification In Kenya Important?
Looking at many of the issues above, we can now begin to see why digital identity verification is a must in Kenya. To understand the trends in digital identity verification in Kenya, one must affirm that Kenya's digital economy is flourishing, but strong digital identity verification is crucial for its continued success. The reasons include:
- Trust and Security: Secure online transactions rely on verifying who's on the other side. Digital ID helps prevent fraud and builds trust in e-commerce, mobile banking, and other digital services.
- Financial Inclusion: Many Kenyans lack access to traditional banking, making mobile money a very popular trend in Kenya. Digital ID can and has helped streamline access to financial services, promoting financial inclusion for unbanked populations.
- Efficiency and Growth: Digital verification eliminates the need for physical paperwork, saving time and resources. This fosters a smoother business environment, encouraging innovation and economic growth.
What Methods for ID Verification in Kenya?
There are several methods of verifying ID in Kenya to ensure accuracy and security. The methods may include:
1. Document Verification
Document verification is the process of verifying if a document is authentic or not. The MZR code on a document can be extracted using a technology and then compared to the government standard ID template. This process of document verification is an important step when conducting due diligence and KYC process in Kenya.
2. Government Data Sources:
Another way ID verification can be done in Kenya is by verifying the details on the ID directly rom the government database. This is also known as Government KYC check. Examples of documents that ca be verified against government database in Kenya may include:
i. National Identity Card:
The Kenyan National Identity Card is the major means of document identification. It is issued to citizens of 18 years and above. The National Registration Bureau is responsible for ensuring that all Kenyan citozens have a uniuqe identifier. The ID card features important information such as name, DOB, ID number, all of which can be verified via the NRB website.
ii. Passport:
The Kenyan passport is issued by the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government. It contains essential information such as nationality, name and date of birth. The Kenyan passport can be verified through the Department of Immigration Services.
To know how to apply for a Kenya passport online, check our guide on how to apply for a Kenyan passport online.
iii. Driver License:
The Kenyan driver’s license is managed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). It has the license holder’s name, address, date of birth, and license number. The license can be verified by checking the details against the details on the NTSA’s records.
Other documents that can undergo ID verification in Kenya include Kenyan refugee ID, alien card, KRA pin, etc.
See how to replace a lost birth certificate in Kenya
3. Commercial Data Sources
Commercial databases are very important in verifying employment history and other financial or transactional activities. Businesses can use this data source to verify the identity of their customers.
4. Credit Data Sources:
Credit data sources can be used to confirm the financial behaviour and transactional history of individuals. The credit bureaus provide credit history which in turn can be used for verification.
What Are The Challenges Of These Trends In Digital Identity Verification In Kenya?
However, as great as these trends in digital identity verification are in Kenya, the country faces significant challenges including:
i. Identity Theft
Without robust verification, digital systems are vulnerable to imposters. This can lead to financial losses and erode trust in the digital economy. This especially came to the fore when the eCitizens portal was hacked by cyber terrorists called Anonymous Sudan in July 2023, disrupting several government services, highlighting vulnerabilities in the platform's security and impacting citizens' access to various online services.
ii. Lack of Legal Documentation
A significant portion of the Kenyan population lacks official identification documents. This can exclude them from participating fully in the digital economy which is highly legalised because no country wants to run afoul of the compliance rules slated by authorities including the Central Bank of Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority and the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Addressing these challenges is key to unlocking the full potential of Kenya's digital future. Initiatives like ensuring wider access to legal documentation and implementing secure digital verification systems are crucial steps forward.
The Rise of Biometric Verification In Kenya
One of the latest trends in digital identity -verification in Kenya is biometric verification. Unfortunately, traditional verification methods like passwords and PINs are becoming increasingly inadequate in Kenya's growing digital landscape because they are vulnerable to theft through hacking, phishing, or social engineering.
They are also inconvenient as remembering multiple passwords can be frustrating, leading to password reuse and increased security risks. Furthermore, passwords and PINs have limited security as they are static and don't adapt to changing threats.
These limitations pave the way for biometric verification, which utilizes unique physical or behavioural characteristics for user identification. Kenya is witnessing a rise in biometric adoption, primarily through:
- Fingerprint scanners are widely used for mobile banking and payments, offering a convenient and secure alternative to PINs.
- Facial recognition is gaining traction for access control in government services and private companies, improving security and streamlining the user experience.
What Are The Benefits Of Biometric Verification In Digital Identity Verification In Kenya?
Biometric verification as one of the latest trends in digital identity verification in Kenya, offers significant benefits including:
- Enhanced Security: Unique biometric data is harder to forge compared to passwords, reducing fraud risks.
- Improved Convenience: Users can access services with a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition, eliminating the need to remember complex passwords.
- Reduced Identity Theft: The inherent uniqueness of biometrics makes it more difficult for imposters to gain unauthorized access.
Are There Any Concerns On The Use Of Biometric Identity Verification In Kenya?
There are concerns about privacy and data security when using biometric digital identity verification in Kenya. They include:
- The fact that data breaches expose biometric data can have serious consequences, not just for the system but for the trust for safe use in the system by Kenyans.
- Privacy intrusions are also a concern as the collection and storage of biometric data raise concerns about potential misuse or surveillance by the Kenyan government.
To make sure that these concerns never see the light of day, the Kenyan government must find a balance between security and privacy in the responsible implementation of biometric verification in the country.
How Kenya’s New Digital Identity System Is Going To Change Their ID Verification Landscape
Kenya is poised for a significant transformation with the upcoming rollout of its new digital identity system, popularly known as the “Maisha ecosystem”. It ushers in a more secure and streamlined way for Kenyans to verify their identities. This system, built on the foundation of Unique Personal Identifiers (UPIs), promises to revolutionize various sectors across the nation in the following ways:
i. The Use Of UPIs
UPIs are unique identifiers assigned to each Kenyan citizen. These identifiers are the core of the new system, likely acting as a central access point for various government services and potentially private sector applications as well.
ii. Going Beyond Fingerprints
Advanced Biometrics Take Center Stage, moving beyond traditional methods like passwords and PINs, the new system is expected to incorporate advanced biometrics like iris recognition. This technology utilizes the unique patterns of an individual's iris for highly secure and accurate identification. This additional layer of security can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.
The Impact Of The New System In Transforming Key Sectors
The impact of the new system on trends in digital identity verification in Kenya will be far-reaching. Here's a glimpse into how it can affect various sectors:
- Finance: UPIs can streamline access to financial services like mobile banking and loans. Secure biometric verification can prevent unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions.
- Healthcare: Patients can securely access medical records and potentially schedule appointments using their UPIs. Biometric verification can ensure authorized access to sensitive medical information.
- Government Services: Renewing passports, applying for social benefits, and accessing other government services can become faster and more convenient with UPIs.
- Private Sector: Businesses can leverage UPIs for secure customer identification and age verification, enhancing online transactions and reducing fraud risks.
The Road Ahead For The New System
While the new digital ID system holds immense potential, ensuring robust data security and addressing privacy concerns remain crucial. Building trust through transparent communication and strong data protection regulations will be essential for its successful implementation. Kenya's journey towards a secure and inclusive digital identity landscape has begun, paving the way for a brighter future powered by innovation and security.
Other Emerging Trends In Digital Identity Verification In Kenya
Kenya's digital identity landscape is brimming with innovation beyond the upcoming UPI system. Here are some emerging trends shaping the future:
i. The Rise of Private Sector Players
Financial institutions, telecom companies, and other private players are recognizing the importance of secure identity verification. They are developing and offering their own verification solutions, often catering to specific industry needs. This can create a more diverse and competitive landscape, potentially leading to more user-friendly and cost-effective options.
ii. Unleashing The Potential Of Mobile Verification
Kenya's high mobile penetration rate makes mobile-based verification a game-changer. Imagine verifying your identity for online services with a simple tap on your phone, eliminating the need for complex passwords or physical documents. This can not only boost user convenience but also encourage wider participation in the digital economy.
iii. The Future is a Symphony
The new UPI system, private sector solutions, and mobile-based methods are not mutually exclusive. They can potentially work together to create a robust and layered approach to digital identity verification in Kenya. Each method offers its own strengths and caters to different situations.
By embracing these emerging trends, Kenya can foster a secure, inclusive, and efficient digital identity ecosystem, unlocking the true potential of its digital transformation.
Also, read the trends in digital identity verification in South Africa, Nigeria, Europe, Canada. and in the UK
FAQ on Identity Verification in Kenya
1. How can I verify my ID in Kenya?
To verify your identity in Kenya, Huduma staff will scan your ID and send a notification to your eCitizen app. You'll then need to open the app and scan a QR code displayed on your device. Finally, they'll take your fingerprints for additional verification.
2. What are the Requirements for applying for a Kenyan ID card?
The requirements for applying for a Kenyan ID card include but are not limited to the applicant's original and copy of the ID, 2 recently taken passport-sized photographs, a copy of the applicant's Kenya passport on bio-data page and a copy of the marriage certificate. Other requirements can be found on the Kenyan High Commission website.
3. How long does ID processing take in Kenya?
The processing of an ID card in Kenya may take approximately between 8 to 12 weeks. ID cards can only be collected through postal services.
4. How can I check my Kenyan ID card status online?
To check your ID status online in Kenya, you should visit the website www.dha.gov.za and click on “check Status’ at the top left corner of the homepage. Choose “ID status verification” (Alive/Deceased).
See more answers to the FAQ on identity verification in Kenya in our blog post on ID verification in Kenya.
Conclusion
Concluding our focus on trends in digital identity verification in Kenya is the fact that Kenya's digital identity landscape is transforming with the introduction of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) system, offering a secure and centralized verification platform. Private companies are also developing industry-specific solutions, utilizing mobile-based verification to leverage Kenya's high phone penetration for convenient identity checks.
Together, these trends promise a bright future for secure and inclusive digital identities in Kenya. The UPI system provides a solid foundation, while private sector innovations offer flexibility and user-centricity. By addressing data security and ensuring transparency, Kenya can build a robust digital identity ecosystem, empowering citizens and boosting the digital economy.
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