Kenyans to have digital ID by October, says CS,
Kenyans to have digital ID by October, says CS
The digital ID, according to the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, would be used to authenticate and verify users of government services in addition to plugging any revenue leaks in state institutions. The goal of the government is for all Kenyans to have a digital identification by the beginning of October.
Eliud Owalo, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, also declared that in addition to providing every Kenyan with a digital ID, the Government will also set up a thorough communication framework to inform the populace about the identity’s relevance to them.
Owalo expressed confidence that Kenyans will embrace digital identity with zeal, but added that it was important to explain to them how the initiative will be implemented and the public’s respective part in it.
The CS emphasized the need of Kenyans comprehending the effects and outcome of the digital identity.
Everyone will switch to the digital platform once it is proven that the advantages outweigh the hazards, according to Owalo.
During a session sponsored by the German agency GIZ, Owalo addressed a number of Heads of ICT from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. He mentioned that the digital ID will also be a method of identifying and certifying persons who access public services.
Additionally, he said that the digital identification would enable the government to stop any income leaks and include more Kenyans in the tax system.
In addition to being able to gather enough funds to pay off our debts and have some surplus to support domestic, current, and recurring expenses, Owalo said, “We will be able to collect more tax revenue at the current taxation rate without revising our fiscal policies.”
Kenya’s government is collaborating with the business sector to produce smart phones that are reasonably priced in an effort to increase the number of Kenyans who have access to online services.
The introduction of digital signatures by the government to get rid of brokers was also announced to the heads of ICT.
People will be able to approve official paperwork and processes via digital platforms, according to the CS.
Owalo added that the county government level will also participate in the digitalization process.
He declared, “We are committed to transforming Kenya into a digital economy and we desire to have a paperless national and county government.”
The CS also added that the government’s BottomUp Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)’s other pillars depend critically on the Digital Superhighway, which is a standalone thematic area and a stand-alone thematic area in its own right.
Speaking, Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, asked the heads of ICT to be familiar with the dynamics of IT systems inside their ministries and to have a clear working arrangement with other leaders to prevent project duplication.
