Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is set to launch a new way of identifying Nairobi County Government employees in a system developed to weed out imposters and ghost workers.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 22, the Governor outlined his elaborate plan that entails the use of a new biometric system aimed at helping his government weed out imposters blamed for increased cases of extortion in the capital.
According to Sakaja, the new identity documents will be linked to a USSD code to support real-time verification of the county workers by city residents.
Business people around the county have been victims of schemes by extortionists and fake employees claiming to be working for the county.
Governor Sakaja indicated that the new approach will make Nairobi a city of order, dignity, hope and opportunities for all.
“We will soon introduce new staff ID cards which will have special features including a USSD query system *647#,” Sakaja indicated.
This is the same short code that city residents have been using to pay parking fees across the city.
“If the response is negative then the trader/person being harassed can alert Nairobi City County customer care or report to the nearest police station,” the Governor explained.
During his campaign, Sakaja had promised to streamline service provision to city residents, including the introduction of a single permit for businesses and this is seen as a step towards that direction.
Sakaja also vowed to continue their sustained efforts to end extortion in the city.
“Extortion and corruption amongst staff members must stop and service delivery must prevail in this city," the government explained.
"I will ensure order and dignity are returned to this great city which continues to be the transport, communication and business hub in Africa,” he concluded.
