(3 Minutes Read)
The Kenyan government has entered into a strategic partnership with Veridos, a leading German identity solutions provider, to roll out a new generation of electronic passports (ePassports). This ambitious upgrade aims to transform the nation’s travel documents by integrating state-of-the-art security features with symbolic national design elements that reflect Kenya’s culture, history, and heritage.
According to a formal statement by Veridos, the initiative is designed to bolster the security of Kenyan travel documents, minimise passport issuance times, and enhance the international acceptance of Kenyan identity credentials. The new ePassport will incorporate advanced anti-forgery technologies, ensuring that citizens can travel with a globally trusted identification that also expresses national values.
“For the next generation of Kenyan ePassports, we sought to design a passport that embodies who we are as a people by showcasing the Kenyan story and promoting inclusivity,” said Evelyn Chegulet, Director General of the Directorate of Immigration Services. “We found a partner in Veridos who has the expertise and commitment to actualise our vision.”
The upgraded ePassport is one of the most secure travel documents in the region, thanks to several high-tech features aimed at deterring forgery and tampering:
- CLIP ID: A high-resolution, full-colour photograph printed directly onto a durable polycarbonate surface, which makes unauthorized modifications virtually impossible.
- Spectre ID: An innovative, tilt-sensitive visual effect that reveals embossed security patterns when viewed from different angles.
- MAGIC ID: Animated graphical elements that span the passport pages, creating dynamic security visuals that are extremely difficult to replicate.
In addition to these features, Kenya’s new passport will include colour photographs printed on polycarbonate material — a first in the country. This not only improves resistance to wear and tear but also enhances biometric verification and identity accuracy.
Beyond its technical advancements, the passport is also a cultural statement. The design incorporates symbols and imagery reflecting Kenya’s history, natural heritage, economy, and diverse wildlife, creating a document that is as meaningful as it is functional. It seeks to promote inclusivity and national identity, making each citizen feel represented.
Veridos, a joint venture between German security firms Bundesdruckerei and Giesecke+Devrient, views this project as a significant step in advancing secure identity solutions across Africa. The collaboration emphasises the belief that secure identity is a fundamental human right, with Veridos already operating in over 100 countries. Kenya now joins a growing list of nations modernising their identity systems to meet global standards.
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As Kenya prepares to implement the revamped ePassport, further details regarding the rollout schedule and eligibility for document reissuance are expected to be released soon by the Directorate of Immigration Services.
This new identity document not only enhances travel convenience and document reliability for Kenyan citizens but also places the country at the forefront of digital identity innovation in Africa.
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