Government to launch new IDs with facial and eye recognition features
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Government to upgrade IDs with more biometric features including facial recognition in the new plan
Government to upgrade IDs with more biometric features including facial recognition in the new plan.
On Wednesday, May 24, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki unveiled plans to modernize Identification Cards (IDs) by adding more biometric elements, such as facial recognition.
Speaking during the ID4Africa Conference at the Kenya College of Insurance, South C, Nairobi, Prof Kindiki noted that the advanced ID cards would have more security features, to address emerging challenges.
Kindiki claimed that the new features will enhance the IDs’ existing fingerprint security function.
“We have an ID system which is semi-automated part of it. Going forward we are looking at upgrading our current automated fingerprint identification System (AFIS) into an automated biometric identification system that goes beyond the fingerprint and involves the iris, fingerprints as well as facial recognition,” Kindiki stated.
Besides upgrading the features, Kindiki revealed that the newly launched IDs card could be authenticated online using shortcodes.
According to the Interior CS, the newborns would be the first beneficiaries of the programme to digitize all government services.
The IDs would be unique to all holders and would serve as a lifetime registration number.
“Going forward, we are moving towards an electronic ID with a machine-readable chip and QR code, and eventually, this should lead us to a digital ID system that will allow web-based ID authentication and, in the long run, transit all that into a unique personal identifier which we are going to give all newborns in Kenya, and it becomes the age of 18,” Kindiki explained.
Speaking at the same event, the Principal Secretary of the Immigration Department, Julius Bitok, revealed that the government was expected to launch the new IDs on September 16, 2023.
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He defended the move arguing that it was in line with President William Ruto’s plan to digitize over 5,000 services.
“As we reflect on (Unique Personal Identifier) UPI, we are very keen to identify September 16th as the day the government will be able to roll out some of the activities to support the UPI, which will be the foundation for our smart identity,” Bitok stated.
To diversify revenue streams and minimize crime linked to identity theft, Bitok insisted that the government would consolidate and digitize existing databases under its custody and promote pay-to-access use by telecommunication firms and other businesses that rely on Know-Your-Customer (KYC) profiles.
However, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo insisted that the government had no plans of reviving Huduma Number, which failed to take off in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
“We will consider what works best for us as a country while factoring in all available options through a consultative approach that addresses the concerns of many of our stakeholders,” Owalo told the delegates.
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