Govt To Launch New Digital Identity, UPI By 1st July.
The Kenyan Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize the identification process for its citizens.
The initiative involves the implementation of a new identification system called the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), which will be assigned to individuals from birth and will serve as a lifelong identification number.
During a familiarization tour in Eldoret, Ambassador Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, announced the government’s plans to roll out the UPI and outlined the strategies being employed to ensure its successful implementation by July 1st of this year.
The Birth of UPI: A New Era of Identification
The UPI will be allocated to newborns right at the hospital, marking the beginning of a person’s journey through the Kenyan identification system.
This unique identifier will play a crucial role in various aspects of an individual’s life, serving as a school registration number, an identification number, and a means of accessing government services such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
As part of the UPI implementation, individuals who turn 18 years old will receive a UPI number instead of the current national Identity (ID) number.
Existing ID cardholders will continue to use their ID numbers as their UPI numbers.
The government aims to streamline the identification process by providing citizens with a single, all-encompassing identification number that will remain consistent throughout their lives.
Ambassador Bitok emphasized that the UPI number will serve as a gateway to establishing a comprehensive digital identity for all Kenyan citizens.
Through the E-Citizen digital platform, individuals will be able to access a wide range of government services using their UPI numbers.
From applying for official documents to accessing online services, the UPI will simplify the bureaucratic processes and enhance convenience for Kenyan citizens.
Ambassador Bitok acknowledged that the UPI system differs from the previous Huduma Namba (service number) initiative, which faced challenges during its implementation.
Unlike the Huduma Namba, which was allocated to individuals from the age of 18, the UPI will be automatically assigned to individuals at birth, starting their journey with a unique identifier from day one.
To ensure a smooth transition and compliance with legal provisions, the government has engaged multiple stakeholders in the development and implementation of the UPI system.
By learning from past experiences and incorporating valuable feedback, the government aims to overcome previous challenges and establish the UPI as a reliable and efficient identification system.
The Future of Identity in Kenya
The introduction of the Unique Personal Identifier marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s pursuit of a modern and efficient identification system.
With the UPI, the government aims to provide citizens with a seamless and unified identification experience, streamlining access to crucial services and simplifying bureaucratic processes.
As Kenya embraces the digital era, the UPI will serve as the key to unlock the vast potential of a connected and digitally empowered society.
Conclusion
The Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) is set to revolutionize the way Kenyan citizens are identified and access government services.
From birth, individuals will be assigned a UPI number that will serve as their lifelong identification and enable them to navigate various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and official documentation.
With the UPI, the Kenyan government aims to establish a comprehensive digital identity framework and streamline citizen services through the E-Citizen digital platform.
By learning from previous experiences and engaging stakeholders, the government is committed to ensuring a successful implementation of the UPI system. The UPI represents
Govt To Launch New Digital Identity, UPI By 1st July.
