December 8, 2023 at 11:29AM
Kenya has halted the launch of its digital identification system, “Maisha Namba,” due to the lack of data-protection impact assessments. The High Court suspended the system, concerned with privacy rights violations and the unlawful collection of biometric and biographical data. The system is scheduled to be reviewed by the High Court in February.
Key takeaway from the meeting notes:
– Kenya has decided not to launch the “Maisha Namba” digital identification system this year due to the lack of data-protection impact assessments. The High Court has temporarily paused the rollout of the system, which was intended to include digital ID cards, unique personal identifiers, and a national population register. Media reports highlighted concerns raised by local privacy and human rights groups regarding the collection of biometric and biographical data, particularly citing issues related to the legality, data security, privacy rights, and public participation. The High Court will be reviewing the system again in February. This decision comes after the previous proposal for a digital ID program, Huduma Namba, also faced criticisms over data privacy and was eventually discontinued.