Biometric identification news from Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria

Uganda to Procure Biometric Passport System

Uganda’s directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has started the process of procuring electronic passports in a move aimed at tightening border security, combating terrorism, and fighting passport forgery. The East African country plans on issuing e-passport in November 2015, according to a local report.

Uganda’s e-passport will feature a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip which stores citizen data along with a headshot, and data from fingerprint and iris scans.

According to newspaper Turkiye, the five East African Community (EAC) member states agreed to issue e-passports in June, but among them only Burundi has begun issuing them.

Uganda has been keen on the use of biometric identification, having recently chosen to use Suprema scanners for voter registration and identification in the run up to its 2016 presidential election.

Kenya to Issue Digital IDs by February 2015

Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, is kicking off a national digital registration exercise in February 2015 that is meant to root out the widespread use of bogus identification documents which has contributed to crimes such as human trafficking.

Deputy President William Ruto said that the plan, estimated to cost around $100,000,000 (or 9 billion Kenyan Shillings), is being financed through a public private partnership (PPP) model.

Kenya will be issuing citizens aged 12 and older biometric identification cards connected to a national database containing data on people, land, assets and establishments. In order to reach remote areas, mobile phones will be used to capture fingerprints, as well as personal data such as employment status, marital status and properties they own.

Austria Card provides Nigerian government multifunctional Smart ID cards

Austria Card, a member of the Lykos Group of companies, has produced and delivered to the Nigerian government identity cards that will enhance security among Nigeria’s public service.

The cards have 14 apps including EMV compliant payment functionality, biometrics with MOC (match on card), secure signature, and an e-ID application and can even be used as a travel document to certain countries. It also incorporates 18 security features.

Recently, a biometric identification system was established in Somalia to ensure that funds from the World Bank and other donors go into the accounts of verified civil servants, which is aimed at eliminating fraud and corruption among the government.

Article Topics

Africa  |  biometrics  |  ePassports  |  identification  |  Smart ID Cards  |  voter registration