Kenyans may soon need to submit DNA details, blood type, and other biometrics when registering new SIMcard under new controversial rules proposed by the Communications Authority (CA).
The draft rules also include penalties. Anyone who fails to comply could face a fine of up to Sh1 million or six months in jail.
The SIM cards proposal would require more than the usual national ID, name, and address. It suggests collecting DNA, retinal scans, blood type, and even the shape of a person’s earlobe. This has caused a major public outcry.
Many Kenyans say the idea is too extreme. Digital rights groups and legal experts also argue that the plan is unnecessary and violates people’s privacy. They warn that the amount of information being requested goes far beyond what is needed to confirm someone’s identity.
Some African countries like Rwanda and Mozambique use biometrics for SIM registration, but they mainly use fingerprints or face scans. Kenya’s plan goes much further and enters the space of biological profiling.
The CA says the goal is to stop SIMcard fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime. It argues that stronger identification will block criminals who use fake or borrowed IDs to register SIM cards.
However, critics point to Kenya’s Data Protection Act, which says that only necessary data should be collected and that it must be well protected. They also worry that telecom companies may not be able to store such sensitive information safely.
Kenya has faced big data breaches before.
The SIMcard proposal also raises questions about who will store this data, who will access it, how long it will be kept, and whether people can ask for their information to be deleted.
As the debate grows, many Kenyans want the CA to explain or rethink the proposal. For now, the idea remains one of the most controversial regulations the country has seen in years.
By Vivian K.