The government is set to start collecting DNA profiles and GPS location in new ID registration system.
Through amendments to the Registration of Persons Act, Kenyans will be required to provide their DNA samples that will be used for precise identification of persons.
The new law has introduced hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns as well as voice waves as compulsory requirements during registration.
“Insert biometric data … means unique identifiers or attributes including fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves and Deoxyribonucleic Acid in digital form,” read a part of the amendments made to the law.
Changes made to the Act will see citizens applying for new identification cards provide information about their postal address, land reference number and plot or house number.
One will also be required to provide place of residence and GPS coordinates to uniquely identify their precise geographic location.
Speaking at a security meeting in Mombasa, President Uhuru Kenyatta disclosed the State was actualising the master population data base that will be the single entity with all personal information of all Kenyans and foreigners who have acquired citizenship.
“To enhance the progress made by the integrated Population Registration System (IPRS), my administration will complete a central master population database, which will be the authentic ‘single source of truth’ on personal identity in Kenya.
“The database will contain information on all Kenyan citizens as well as foreign nationals residing in Kenya,” Uhuru stated.
According to the Head of State, each Kenyan will be given a unique identifying number that will be used to access government services.
“The National Integrated Identity Management Systems (NIIMS), will generate a unique identification number that will be known as Huduma Namba. County Commissioners will coordinate the execution of Huduma Namba related activities in the Counties," he stated.
