Kenya explores collaboration with India to combat document forgery

The Kenyan government is exploring the adoption of a digital platform for real-time document verification. This initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting between Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, William Kabogo, and a delegation from the Indian government, led by Anish Kumar, Advisor to the Ministry of External Affairs, India. 

The meeting, held in Nairobi, focused on leveraging India’s expertise in digital transformation to develop a robust system for verifying certificates and other critical documents. The discussions are part of Kenya’s broader efforts to harness technology to streamline processes, reduce fraud, and improve service delivery. 

Cabinet Secretary Kabogo noted Kenya’s readiness to adopt cost-effective digital solutions through partnerships and knowledge sharing. “As a country, we are ready and welcome opportunities to leverage sharing of technologies and expertise to drive digital transformation in a cost-effective manner,” he said. 

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, William Kabogo

The proposed platform, inspired by India’s ‘DigiLocker’ system, aims to eliminate document forgery by enabling real-time verification of certificates and other official documents. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s vision of building a digital economy that is secure, efficient, and inclusive. 

India’s ‘DigiLocker’ platform, which allows citizens to store and share digital copies of their documents, has been a game-changer in reducing fraud and improving administrative efficiency. Kenya is keen to adopt a similar system tailored to its unique needs and legal framework. 

“The Government of India is implementing a similar initiative, and ‘DigiLocker’ is already in use,” said Kabogo. “We have a multi-sectoral team comprising members from different ministries and stakeholders working on the initiative to ensure it aligns with our laws and is fit for purpose.” 

The development of the document verification platform involves collaboration across various government ministries and stakeholders. This multi-sectoral approach ensures that the system is comprehensive, secure, and capable of addressing the specific challenges faced by Kenya. 

“Document forgery is an issue that we are ready to eliminate using technology,” said Kabogo. “This initiative will not only enhance security but also cut down on the time used to verify documents manually, improving efficiency across the board.” 

The discussions with the Indian delegation are part of the ongoing collaboration between Kenya and India, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in December 2023. The MOU aims to foster cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, innovation, and technology transfer. 

“We will work towards fully unlocking opportunities presented by such partnerships,” said Kabogo. “This collaboration is a testament to the strong ties between Kenya and India and our shared commitment to leveraging technology for development.” 

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Principal Secretary Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, MBS, and Mary Kerema, OGW, Secretary for ICT, E-Government, and Digital Economy. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to driving innovation and efficiency through digital solutions. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye