Kenya implements biometric registration for all citizens

The Kenyan government has implemented biometric registration for all citizens aged 12 and older, which should help prevent the duplication and mismanagement of funds for social services, according to a report by Capital FM.

Previously reported, the Kenyan government announced in November it would be issuing citizens biometric identification cards connected to a national database to prevent the widespread use of bogus identification documents which has contributed to crimes such as human trafficking.

The move to reduce the duplication and mismanagement of funds is part of Kenya’s first Social Protection Week, which is designed to create a stronger infrastructure connecting all of the country’s government agencies that provide social assistance and security.

At the core of the government social protection programs are the cash transfer programs to the elderly, orphans, the disabled and the Hunger Safety Net Program.

Over the course of the week, these government bodies will work alongside with one other and devise a plan of action to improve collaboration and lower mismanagement of funds.

Biometric registration will play an integral part in eliminating duplication and mismanagement of funds for Kenya’s social services, said Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The system will prevent duplication since the collection of payments will depend on individuals scanning their fingerprints.

The government allocated Sh13.6 billion (USD $148 million) for this year alone to support cash transfer programs for older persons, orphans and vulnerable children, and persons with severe disabilities.

Article Topics

biometric database  |  biometrics  |  Kenya  |  social security