Kenya to collect citizens’ biodata

Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta has launched a controversial biometric ID system which he says will enable people to access government services more easily.

Human rights groups went to court to challenge the legality of the system arguing that the digital database would infringe on people’s right to privacy.

On Monday, Kenya’s High Court ruled that the biometric system could go ahead but must not store people’s DNA and should only be voluntary.

The court also warned the state that it must not share any of the information collected with any local or international organisations.

At the launch, President Kenyatta argued that the system had already helped save millions of dollars as several thousand ghost police officers names on the payroll of people who don’t exist would no longer receive a salary.

source bbc