Blog by Valarie Waswa
On October 14, 2024, KICTANet joined a diverse coalition of organizations and advocates in a dynamic exchange session on digital identity. This event was a powerful convergence, bringing together coalition members from across the globe—including participants from South Asia, West and Francophone Africa, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and beyond. This gathering provided an invaluable platform for sharing insights, strategies, and challenges in advancing digital identity frameworks that prioritize human rights and community empowerment.
Unifying Diverse Perspectives on Digital Identity
One of the standout aspects of this exchange was the diversity of perspectives on digital identity. While members agreed on its necessity, the approaches and challenges varied significantly. Representatives from various coalitions highlighted the importance of tailoring digital identity initiatives to the specific needs and contexts of communities. This diversity in views emphasized the value of designing systems that don’t impose blanket solutions but rather build on the nuances of each unique society.
In Kenya, the commitment of paralegals and community ambassadors to digital ID efforts was commended as exemplary. Their work with grassroots communities has been critical in advancing human rights within digital identity programs, ensuring that local voices influence the development and implementation of these systems.
The impact of these efforts is especially evident in areas like Garissa, where community organizations like Haki na Sheria collaborate with local authorities to drive advocacy and create tangible change. The vital role of paralegals in raising awareness of rights, guiding legal processes, and building community trust was a key theme, resonating across all coalition members.
Community-Led Advocacy and Legal Empowerment
Across the exchange, one message was clear: digital identity efforts thrive best when the community leads. Many attending coalitions discussed the strength of community-based advocacy, underscoring that successful digital identity systems must be informed and shaped by those they aim to serve. Initiatives led by community ambassadors, young people, and legal advocates were identified as the backbone of these movements. Their grassroots approach not only builds trust but also raises critical awareness on rights related to digital identity.
For instance, in Garissa, young advocates are leveraging social media and engaging in strategic litigation to combat issues arising from digital identity initiatives. These youth-led programs illustrate the power of young people as catalysts for change. Their involvement not only strengthens digital ID frameworks but also amplifies the voices of those who are often marginalized in policy discussions.
Collaboration as a Cornerstone of Progress
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the power of collaboration. Rather than competing, coalition members emphasized complementing one another’s work. The exchange showcased various examples of how collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and community leaders is essential to crafting effective digital identity policies. Participants agreed that advocacy requires a united front, where strengths in public engagement, policy expertise, legal insight, and media outreach converge.
The value of partnerships between coalitions was also highlighted in cases like Uganda, where strategic litigation helped prevent exclusionary policies. Coalition members there noted that strong alliances led to policy adjustments that no longer required digital IDs for access to essential health services, such as COVID-19 vaccinations. This case serves as a testament to the power of coalition-based advocacy in prompting policy shifts and influencing government actions.
Safeguarding Data Privacy and Protection
Data privacy and security remained central concerns, with coalition members calling for stronger safeguards to protect citizens’ information. Countries like Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya discussed ongoing efforts to mitigate data breaches, unauthorized data use, and the risks associated with third-party data management. The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) in Kenya emerged as a model for balancing efficiency and data privacy by acting as an accessible point of redress for data privacy cases, reducing the need for lengthy court processes.
While challenges persist, participants highlighted positive steps, such as Nigeria’s recent reduction of required data fields from 60 to 10, demonstrating progress in data minimization practices. These actions underscore the necessity of prioritizing citizens’ data protection and ensuring that digital identity systems are built upon secure, transparent, and accountable foundations.
Key Takeaways and Future Actions
Reflecting on the exchange, coalition members shared insights that will continue to guide and inform digital identity advocacy:
- Incorporate Psychosocial Support: The work of paralegals and community ambassadors is intensive, often leading to burnout. Integrating psychosocial support into digital ID programs can help sustain their commitment and well-being.
- Documenting Impact: Sharing stories of impact, particularly those involving paralegals, can illustrate the role of legal empowerment in community advocacy and inspire others to support similar initiatives.
- Engagement with Policymakers and the Public: Building trust in digital identity requires transparency and outreach. Developing strong communication strategies that raise public awareness on data protection and privacy rights is essential to garnering public support and understanding.
- Expanding Coalition Membership: Embracing diverse perspectives and expanding coalition memberships strengthens advocacy efforts and enables a comprehensive approach to addressing digital ID challenges.
Moving Forward Together
As this exchange showed, the future of digital identity rests in cooperation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to human rights.
For KICTANet and its fellow coalition members, this experience reaffirmed the importance of listening to communities and working together to shape digital identity frameworks that protect, empower, and respect every individual.
Together, this collective can drive the change needed to create a more equitable digital landscape—one where digital identity serves as a tool of empowerment rather than exclusion.
