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. Read more via Kenyans.co.ke
Kenyan government gains access to nationals’ additional information
The Kenyan government is now free to collect data on Kenyans’ DNA and physical location of their homes including satellite details during registration of persons. This follows after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s approval of adjustments to the Registration of Persons Act that has included the two to the list of requirements needed at the national people’s registry.
Adults applying for documents such as identity documents will be required to make additional information available about their location, including land reference number, plot number or house number. The ministry is also seeking to introduce Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates in the registration of persons, enabling the tracking of their location via satellite.
Before the law change, the state required people to provide just their place of residence and postal address.
On personal identification, the State has widened the requirements to include Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) in digital form, voice waves and earlobe pattern. DNA registries are increasingly being used in the fight against crime with police using them to identify criminals and prove their presence in crime scenes. Read more via African Daily Voice