
Prominent lawyer Miguna Miguna has opposed the implementation of the Digital National ID system in Kenya, citing several key issues regarding its suitability and the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, Miguna described the recent concerns over the cryptocurrency project Worldcoin, where personal data was captured from Kenyan citizens for more than a year without consent, as evidence of the country’s weakness.
“It is not a priority for a 3rd world country facing high unemployment, no universal health care and homelessness,” said Miguna.
”Kenya lacks the digital infrastructure to prevent cyber-attacks, including hacking, making the harvesting, processing and storage of digital identities vulnerable to abuse and poaching.”
Another important point raised by the lawyer is the absence of extensive public participation in the decision to establish a National ID system.
He expressed doubts about the speedy implementation process, comparing it to previous initiatives like BBI Fraud and Service Number, which raised concerns among the public, saying “Anything hidden and rushed cannot pass the smell test.”
Giving an international comparison, Miguna pointed out that even technologically advanced countries like Canada and the United States have not introduced mandatory digital identity systems due to widespread opposition, citing similar issues raised in Kenya.
The lawyer’s statement echoes the sentiments of many Kenyans on X – formerly known as Twitter who share his concerns about the introduction of a National Digital Identity and want a re-evaluation of its importance and impact in a country facing many challenges.
The government has allocated Ksh. 1 billion for Unique Personal Identities (UPIs) for all Kenyans. Immigration Secretary Julius Bitok on Tuesday said UPI will be issued to all citizens at birth.
It will be used as an official ID at all stages of education, tax payments through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and as a death certificate number after death.
Bitok said Kenyans who will reach the age of 18 will be given a card named Maisha Card and described the supply as an end to the current generation of identity cards to digital ones.
President William Ruto is expected to launch the new cards on September 29.