By Billy Mijungu
Every Kenyan should have a principal mobile number permanently tied to their identity, a number that can only be deactivated upon death. This single number should serve as the official contact for all personal, business, and government transactions. It would be the universal key to accessing services, authenticating identity, and verifying ownership.
We live in a time when mobile phones are more than communication tools; they are extensions of who we are. Almost every activity today, from mobile banking, healthcare registration, tax filing, to digital communication, begins or ends with a phone number. Yet, despite its importance, most people change their numbers frequently, creating confusion, gaps in verification, and risks in identity management.
Kenya has matured enough to adopt a lifelong number system. With the Data Protection Act in place and digital literacy growing fast, we now have a framework that safeguards citizens against misuse of personal data. What we need is to link identity, technology, and governance in a way that enhances accountability and convenience.
Such a system would transform how the government delivers services. Imagine applying for a passport, renewing a driving licence, or registering a business without filling out repetitive forms. Your permanent number would automatically retrieve your verified details from government databases. Electronic Voting would also become easier to verify, reducing fraud and boosting confidence in electoral integrity.
Countries like Estonia and India have already embraced digital identity systems tied to citizens’ data. Estonia’s e-identity allows citizens to vote, pay taxes, and access nearly all government services online. India’s Aadhaar system, linked to mobile numbers, has simplified government benefits and improved efficiency in service delivery. Kenya can build its own model around a lifelong mobile number system that fits our realities and legal frameworks.
This would also support the private sector. Banks, hospitals, insurers, and service providers would find it easier to identify and serve clients without unnecessary paperwork. Lost documents, duplicate accounts, and fraudulent claims would drastically reduce.
In short, one lifelong number could unify all citizens under a trusted digital identity. It is simple, secure, and sustainable, a step forward for a modern Kenya that values order, trust, and efficiency.
