Global biometric authentication technology firm Identy.io has announced its entry into Kenya as it seeks to expand its services into the region.
The firm which also operates in Nigeria is targeting to tap the growing adoption of national digital identity systems to improve service delivery, promote financial inclusion, and develop digital public infrastructure which will require effective and secure identity solutions.
Speaking with KBC Digital during the Africa Tech Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Identy.io Regional Head for West Africa Dr Olajide Olasiyan-Ola said Africa presents a significant opportunity for developing digital identity infrastructure.
“Currently, 542 million Africans lack ID cards, and implementing digital ID systems could potentially unlock between 3pc and 13pc of GDP across the continent. This creates a timely opportunity for Identy.io to expand in the region. The rapid advancement of digital ID programs in Nigeria, where 121 million IDs have been issued, and in Kenya, which has allocated $117 million for digital ID initiatives, has generated immediate market demand,” said Dr Olajide.
According to the World Bank’s ID4D, at least 80pc of adults in Sub-Saharan Africa possess basic identification. However, there are significant disparities between countries, with many having coverage below 70pc.
These gaps have been attributed to lack of access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Dr Olajide said Identy.io is prioritizing Nigeria and Kenya where there is strong demand from government services, financial institutions, and fintech ecosystems.
Dr Olajide said the biometric registration which can be done on phone will help in bridging financial access gaps by ensuring people can register using their phones while pension funds can also leverage the technology to pay for benefits.
“Identy.io’s technology supports biometric capture using standard smartphones, processes identity documents, issues digital identities to individuals lacking formal identification, and facilitates large-scale biometric verification and deduplication. This innovative yet simplified approach allows our clients to reach underserved communities by providing individuals with multimodal access to secure their digital identities and explore new economic opportunities.
In Nigeria, 121 million digital IDs have already been issued, while in Kenya the government is spending $117 million to rollout Maisha Namba targeting 32 million IDs by 2026.
However, there are still challenges with identity fraud which opens the need for enhanced security architecture.
“If you look around banks and telcos have really improved in terms of technology but we are bringing them something different. We are bringing them digital identity in terms of ensuring that the can verify the people that they are claiming to be their customers and also minimize the cases of fraud,” added Edwin Mutisya, Identy.io Senior Sales Manager in Kenya.
The firm now plans to expand into additional African markets as part of a phased regional growth strategy.
