The Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology, led by the Chairperson Senator Allan Chesang, has resolved to conduct an inquiry into the operations of World Coin’s cryptocurrency project in Kenya. 

This comes following a public outcry on the blockchain company’s operations in the country and the contradicting statements given by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government about the same. 

During the Committee’s retreat in Machakos County today, the Members of the Committee expressed their concerns about the safety and security of sensitive personal data by a private body and pledged to investigate the legal status of the cryptocurrency landscape in Kenya. 

“There were talks that women were even carrying children for their eyes to be scanned, despite them not giving consent. So, we need to engage all the stakeholders involved so that we can protect Kenyans,” Senator Beatrice Ogola said. 

“As a Committee, we need to inquire about the safety and security concerns over the cross-border transfer of sensitive personal data by a private body. We also need to examine the legal issues and identify the regulatory concerns concerning cryptocurrencies in the country,” Senator William Kisang’ added. 

The ICT Committee also resolved to invite the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and the Communication Authority (CA) to shed light on the status of Cyber Security in Kenya following the attempted cyber-attack on Government E-Services Platforms.