Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has issued an order to halt all operations related to Worldcoin. The decision was announced during the 3rd regional stakeholders engagement on combating illicit alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances at Kirubia Stadium, Tharaka Nithi County, on June 12, 2023.
In his statement on August 2, CS Kindiki expressed the government’s concern about Worldcoin’s activities, specifically their involvement in registering citizens through the collection of eyeball/iris data. To investigate the authenticity and legality of these activities, as well as the safety and usage of the harvested data, relevant security, financial services, and data protection agencies have initiated inquiries and investigations.
CS Kindiki emphasized the need for assurances regarding public safety and the integrity of financial transactions, especially given the large number of citizens involved. Therefore, until relevant public agencies certify that there are no risks to the general public, the government has suspended all activities of Worldcoin and any similar entities that engage with the Kenyan people.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary warned that any individual or organization found supporting or participating in Worldcoin’s activities will face appropriate legal action. This decision comes after more than 350,000 Kenyans signed up for Worldcoin, expecting to receive tokens worth Sh7,700
