|
LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
UNDP to Help Kenya Launch Secure, Reliable Digital ID System
Kenya and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the rollout of a digital ID system in Kenya. The MoU was signed by Immigration and Citizen Services PS Prof Julius Bitok and UNDP Resident Representative Anthony Ngororano on behalf of their respective organizations.
Under the terms of the MoU, UNDP will provide technical assistance and help to mobilize funding and other resources for the development and implementation of the digital ID system. UNDP will also work with the government to monitor the rollout of the system.
The digital ID system is a key component of the government’s plan to digitize government services and make them more accessible to Kenyan citizens. The system will also help to make Kenya compliant with international standards on cross-border travel.
“This is a crucial project and that is why we are leveraging on partnership and technical advice of UNDP to realise a solid fool-proof digital Identity,” said PS Bitok.
Mr. Ngororano said that the digital ID system is the “missing link between citizens and accessible digital services” and that UNDP is “keen to support the government to bridge the gap.”
The MoU also includes provisions for the involvement of stakeholders and interest groups in the development of the digital ID system. This is to ensure that the system is inclusive and meets the needs of all Kenyans.
The government hopes to unveil the digital ID system in early October 2023.
The four products that will be launched under the digital ID system are:
- Maisha Namba: A unique personal number that will be assigned to each individual and that will be the personal identity number from birth to death.
- Maisha Card (3rd generation ID): A document that will bear the Maisha Namba. It will replace the current 2nd generation ID.
- Digital ID: A virtual digital identity for registered persons to support online authentication.
- National Master Population Register: A single integrated register of data on Kenyans and foreigners resident in the country.
Kenyan Government Steps in to Protect Citizens’ Data from Worldcoin Project
The Office of Data Protection (ODP) Monday filed a petition with the High Court seeking to stop Worldcoin from erasing or modifying Kenyans’ personal data collected during the Worldcoin project.
The ODP said that the processing of personal data through the Worldcoin project does not adhere to the principles of data protection as set out in the Data Protection Act 2019.
In the case papers, the ODP is concerned that Worldcoin is likely to tamper with, erase, or modify the personal data collected from Kenyans, which would frustrate the ODP’s investigation into the project.
“The applicant believes that the respondents is likely to tamper with erase , modify or further process the personal the personal data contrary to the data protection Act 2019 thereby frustrating the investigation currently being conducted by the applicant,” reads the affidavit.
The ODP is also concerned that Worldcoin is continuing to collect personal data from Kenyans, despite a suspension order issued by the Ministry of Interior in August 2023.
“The applicant believes that the respondents is likely to tamper with erase , modify or further process the personal the personal data contrary to the data protection Act 2019 thereby frustrating the investigation currently being conducted by the applicant,” reads the affidavit.
The ODP is seeking a court order to stop Worldcoin from erasing, modifying, or further processing Kenyans’ personal data, and to stop Worldcoin from collecting personal data from Kenyans.
The High Court is expected to hear the ODP’s petition in the coming weeks.
Safaricom to Increase M-PESA Account Limits to Ksh. 500,000
Safaricom Monday received approval from the Central Bank of Kenya to increase M-PESA account limits to Ksh.500,000. The new limit will be effective from Tuesday, August 15, 2023, for all M-PESA customers.
This is a significant increase from the current limit of Ksh.300,000. It will provide customers with more convenience and flexibility when using M-PESA. It will also be a boost for businesses, especially SMEs, as they will be able to accept larger payments through M-PESA.
In addition to the increased account limit, M-PESA customers will also enjoy a raised daily transaction limit of Ksh.500,000 per day. This is up from the current limit of Ksh.150,000.
“We appreciate the role that the Central Bank of Kenya has played by constantly providing guidance on innovations and protections that we have put in place to strengthen M-PESA’s adherence to KYC, anti-money laundering and other financial regulations and safeguards,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO – Safaricom.
“The increased account limits will provide customers and especially small businesses with increased convenience as the share of cashless transactions continues to rise,” Ndegwa added.
M-PESA is the most popular mobile money service in Kenya, with over 20 million users. It is used for a variety of transactions, including sending and receiving money, paying bills, and making purchases.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must be logged in to post a comment.