• Latest
  • Trending
Kenya to launch digital national identity cards

Kenya to launch digital national identity cards

September 16, 2023
Jiji’s expansion in Africa: Anton Volianskyi on scaling, trust, and the future of e-commerce

Jiji’s expansion in Africa: Anton Volianskyi on scaling, trust, and the future of e-commerce

September 26, 2025
Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2025 returns to Johannesburg with focus on digital transformation

Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2025 returns to Johannesburg with focus on digital transformation

September 26, 2025
Pearl Nkrumah becomes the first female MD of Access Bank Ghana

Pearl Nkrumah becomes the first female MD of Access Bank Ghana

September 26, 2025
Verto opens new strategic hub in Nairobi to simplify global trade for emerging markets

Verto opens new strategic hub in Nairobi to simplify global trade for emerging markets

September 26, 2025
Revolut seeks South African banking license

Revolut seeks South African banking license

September 26, 2025
Nokia, Nscale partner to facilitate the deployment of AI infrastructure

Nokia, Nscale partner to facilitate the deployment of AI infrastructure

September 26, 2025
PayPal commits $100 million to boost digital economy in Middle East and Africa

PayPal commits $100 million to boost digital economy in Middle East and Africa

September 26, 2025
Mastercard, Smile ID partner to launch fraud-prevention digital identity solutions

Mastercard, Smile ID partner to launch fraud-prevention digital identity solutions

September 26, 2025
Google combines Android and ChromeOS for a new PC system

Google combines Android and ChromeOS for a new PC system

September 26, 2025
Orange Egypt partners with mnGm to introduce gold trading via mobile wallets

Orange Egypt partners with mnGm to introduce gold trading via mobile wallets

September 26, 2025
Your one-stop tech hub! Get the latest updates on AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and emerging technologies.
  • Tech News
    • Africa Tech
    • Global Tech
    • Tech with Pelumy
    • Tech Careers
    • Tech TV
    • General News
    • How To
    • Reviews
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Fintech
  • Startups
  • Ai
No Result
View All Result
  • Tech News
    • Africa Tech
    • Global Tech
    • Tech with Pelumy
    • Tech Careers
    • Tech TV
    • General News
    • How To
    • Reviews
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Fintech
  • Startups
  • Ai
No Result
View All Result
Techpression
No Result
View All Result
Home Tech News Africa Tech News

Kenya to launch digital national identity cards

Modupeoluwa Olalere by Modupeoluwa Olalere
September 16, 2023
140 10
0
Kenya to launch digital national identity cards
466
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterWhatsAppTelegram

The Kenyan government has set aside KSh 1 billion for Maisha Cards, or Unique Personal Identifiers (UPIs). The country’s identity system will change because these digital IDs will replace real ID cards.

The Chief Secretary for Immigration, Julius Bitok, said that all young Kenyans will get Maisha Cards. The UPI will be used for schooling, paying taxes to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and getting numbers for death certificates.

Bitok said, “We are following the president’s order to make a digital ID available within 90 days. A Maisha Number will be given to every child born in Kenya. For the KRA PIN, it will be the number on the birth certificate, which is used as an ID for work. At 18, you will also get a digital ID.

Read also: Nigerians can now use ATM cards as IDs

RelatedPosts

Jumia, Watu Credit partner to enhance smartphone access with instalment payments in Kenya

Kenya set to unveil digital token to drive crypto adoption

Disease surveillance: Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti to benefit from Kenya’s expanded Polio lab

This is a change from second-generation to third-generation IDs, with digital access being a key trait. People can carry a physical copy of their Maisha Card or store a digital copy on their smart devices.

The official start of the UPI is set for September 29. President Dr William Ruto is supposed to lead the event. These digital IDs promise many benefits, such as more accurate birth and death registrations, better access to e-citizen government services, streamlined Know Your Customer (KYC) processes for financial institutions, better tax collection, and more accurate government records.

Kenyans’ Maisha Card reactions

The collecting and storing of personal data by digital IDs has raised privacy and security issues. Kenya is building a comprehensive policy framework to regulate and support digital identities. This framework governs personal data collection, storage, use, and sharing to protect privacy and security.

The Data Protection Act 2019 requires DPIAs before the digital ID programme launches. DPIAs help identify and mitigate privacy and security issues associated with specific data processing operations, making the Maisha Cards transition fast and secure.

Nigerian Digital Bank Stellas unveils with Ghost Mode to Fix Fintech Identity Fraud Loophole

Why more countries need to use UPI

In a time when identity theft and scams are common, UPIs provide a safe way to identify yourself that can be checked. These digital identifiers also make it possible for people to use online government services, which makes e-government and digital services more accessible and more efficient.

For different reasons, each country has its method for identifying people. Countries like Nigeria have national ID cards. In the US, SSNs are essential for paying taxes and getting social benefits. National Insurance Numbers (NINs) are used in the UK to keep track of social payments. In Canada, SINs are used for tax and government perks.

Still, on this topic, India uses Aadhaar numbers, which are 12-digit codes linked to biometric and personal information, for a lot of different services. Personnummers are used to identify people and get services in Sweden. For tax reporting, Australia gives out TFNs. In Germany, the Personalausweisnummer is used for government work.

Singapore also uses NRIC numbers to prove who they are and get into government buildings.

UPI simplify complicated tasks like applying for permits and licences, saving time for people and government workers. The fact that UPIs are digital means that data analytics can be used to help make policy choices and improve service delivery.

UPIs support global sustainable development goals in identity, financial inclusion, and public service delivery. However, successful deployment requires careful planning and privacy and security considerations. Respecting individual rights and inclusivity are crucial. Before starting a transformative digital journey, each country must assess its readiness.

Tags: KenyaMaisha CardsNation identity card
Modupeoluwa Olalere

Modupeoluwa Olalere

Modupe is a tech content writer with 3+ years of experience turning complex ideas into clear, engaging stories. She covers innovation, digital trends, and emerging technologies. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring new tools or tracking trends shaping Africa’s tech ecosystem.

No Result
View All Result

Quick Links

  • Tech News
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Fintech
  • Startups
  • Business

Follow Us:

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • Twitter(X)
  • Linkedin
  • YouTube
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 Techpression.com -Techpression Media Limited

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tech News
    • Africa Tech
    • Global Tech
    • Tech with Pelumy
    • Tech Careers
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • General News
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Business
  • Fintech
  • Startups
  • Featured
  • Ai
  • Tech TV

© 2025 Techpression.com -Techpression Media Limited

techpression.com
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

3rd Party Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.