Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has announced that he will embark on a fervent campaign to advocate for the revival of Worldcoin, in Kenya.
The project, co-founded by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, was halted in Kenya on August 2, 2023, amidst escalating concerns regarding data security, coinciding with malicious adoption surge in Nairobi.
Addressing a gathering of students at Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Saturday, March 30, Itumbi stressed his determination to fight for and lobby for the Worldcoin’s return to the Kenyan market.
Itumbi Gives Insights into Worlcoin’s Future Trends
To make a strong case, the Cabinet Administrative Secretary (CAS) nominee, emphasized on the potential economic empowerment for the burgeoning digital-savvy youth in Kenya who are plagued with massive unemployment.
“I am going to put up a fight in all the relevant tables to ensure Worldcoin comes back to Kenya.”
“Before it was banned it was only Ksh7, today it is Ksh48. In a year I foresee it going to around Ksh.1000/2,000 bob,” said Itumbi.
Worldcoin’s global rollout on June 24, 2023, encountered a wave of privacy apprehensions and scrutiny over the security of biometric data collected from Kenyan citizens.
The verification process entailed scanning one’s eyeballs through an Orb, exchanging it for a digital identity termed World ID, and receiving 25 free cryptocurrency tokens known as WLD.
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Data Safety Concerns Raised by Kenyan Government
The Kenyan government swiftly intervened, ordering a cessation of all Worldcoin activities until pertinent agencies certified the absence of security risks.
Concerns raised by the Communications Authority of Kenya encompassed the storage of biometric data, remuneration in exchange for data, and the substantial accumulation of data by a private entity.
Subsequently, Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) advocated heightened vigilance from the public when engaging with Worldcoin, citing the necessity for stringent compliance with the Data Protection Act 2019.
The Kenyan Capital Markets Authority (CMA) also issued a cautionary notice, highlighting Worldcoin’s unregulated status in Kenya.
On August 2, 2023, against the backdrop of Worldcoin’s suspension in Kenya, Dennis Itumbi had voiced his support for the cryptocurrency project, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital currencies.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking a risk on World Coin. Crypto has been there since and has transformed many people’s lives. Blockchain & some other Digital currency platforms have grown millionaires,”
“Strictly, you must verify the source and valid links to avoid being coned,” said Itumbi.
Worldcoin Global Statement
In response, Worldcoin issued a statement affirming its commitment to implement crowd-control measures and collaborate with the government before resuming operations.
“Tools for Humanity (TFH) has paused World ID verifications in Kenya as we continue to work with local regulators to address their questions. We apologize to everyone in Kenya for the delay. World ID is built for privacy. We look forward to resuming operations, while continuing global rollout,” read a statement from Worldcoin Co-founder Alex Benia.
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It pledged adherence to Kenyan regulations while addressing concerns regarding data privacy and security.
“During the pause, the team will develop an onboarding program that encompasses more robust crowd control measures and work with local authorities to increase understanding of the privacy measures and commitments Worldcoin implements not only in Kenya but everywhere.”
“Worldcoin remains committed to providing an inclusive, privacy-preserving, decentralized on-ramp to the global digital economy and looks forward to resuming its services in Kenya while working closely with local regulators and other stakeholders,” he added.
