The Kenyan government has announced the introduction of a new identity system known as the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) that will be used to identify citizens from birth. This revolutionary system will serve as a school registration number, ID number, and NSSF number throughout one’s lifetime until their death certificate number.

The UPI number will be issued automatically to children at birth and will enable the government to establish digital identities for all citizens. By doing so, it will be possible for Kenyans to access government services with ease through the E-Citizen digital platform.

According to the Principal Secretary State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Ambassador Julius Bitok, the UPI number will be used to identify the child in school and serve as a unique identifier for those who attain 18 years. In the case of individuals with existing national ID numbers, they will use them as their UPI numbers.

The UPI number is different from the Huduma number and has been carefully crafted after consulting with various stakeholders. Unlike the Huduma number, which faced challenges, the UPI has been designed to provide a seamless process of obtaining a unique identifier for all citizens.

The UPI number is expected to streamline the process of accessing government services and provide a unique identifier that will be used throughout a person’s lifetime. It will also enable the government to establish a digital identity for all citizens. The government has implemented measures to ensure a successful rollout of the UPI, with a pilot project scheduled to begin on 1st July this year.