Biometrics set to replace One-Time Passwords in extensive Security Hack-and- slash Alterations

Biometrics set to replace One-Time Passwords in extensive Security Hack-and- slash Alterations

Kenya has embarked on a significant transformation in its healthcare sector with the rollout of a nationwide Biometric Health Identification and Verification System. The system, launched in 2025, aims to enhance efficiency, improve fraud prevention, and support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by ensuring reliable patient verification and streamlined service approval.

The biometric system, primarily using fingerprint authentication for patient identity verification, is currently active in all Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals, including public, private, and faith-based facilities. Plans are underway to extend the system to Level 2 and 3 health facilities soon.

The rollout timeline includes immediate deployment in higher-level hospitals since August 2025, with a phased expansion to smaller facilities in subsequent months. This shift replaces the previously used One-Time Password (OTP) verification method, which had shortcomings like delays and fraud vulnerabilities.

One of the key benefits of this biometric system is enhanced efficiency. By eliminating paperwork and reducing patient queues, healthcare workers can focus more on patient care. Another significant advantage is improved fraud prevention, securing identity verification and reducing false medical insurance claims that had previously cost the state billions of Kenyan shillings.

Greater accountability in healthcare service delivery and use of health resources under the UHC initiative is also promoted by this biometric system. It ensures streamlined claims processing and reimbursement within the new Social Health Authority (SHA) financing framework, which oversees over 25 million registered Kenyans and 10,000 contracted health facilities.

The biometric verification can be done either through fingerprint scans or via the SHA-approved mobile app Practice 360, enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients and providers alike.

In other healthcare advancements, Kenya has launched a Health Information Exchange System (HIES) that enables real-time, secure data sharing between hospitals, counties, and the national SHA platform. Every patient encounter from diagnosis to prescription will be recorded and tracked in real time.

Moreover, a drug track-and-trace system is being developed to monitor the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturers to patients. Pharmaceutical companies have 30 days to upload certified product data or face deregistration. The Ministry of Health has activated a National Product Catalogue integrated with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), ensuring only authorized and approved pharmaceutical products are administered.

Full digitisation in all public hospitals is expected by November. The Kenya Dentists and Practitioners Council (KDPC) has been directed to use digital tools to identify and deregister fraudulent or non-compliant facilities under the Taifa Care network.

The CS spoke on Monday, August 4, during the launch of four SHA digital platforms at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). KUTRRH alone has claimed Sh1.4 billion, with Sh1 billion already reimbursed under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and another Sh6.9 million through the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF).

In summary, Kenya’s biometric identification rollout in healthcare started in 2025 at tertiary hospitals and will expand onward, aiming to reduce fraud, increase efficiency, and support Universal Health Coverage through reliable patient verification and streamlined service approval.

1. Kenya's biometric identification system, launched in 2025, is revolutionizing its healthcare sector, promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
2. The system primarily uses fingerprint authentication for patient identity verification in Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals.
3. Extensions to Level 2 and 3 health facilities are planned, aiming to cover the nationwide landscape soon.
4. The previously used One-Time Password (OTP) verification method has been replaced, addressing delays and fraud vulnerabilities.
5. Enhanced efficiency is achieved by eliminating paperwork and reducing patient queues, allowing healthcare workers to focus on patient care.
6. Fraud prevention is a significant advantage, reducing false medical insurance claims and securing identity verification.
7. Greater accountability in healthcare service delivery is promoted, ensuring reliable patient verification and streamlined claims processing.
8. The Social Health Authority (SHA) financing framework, overseeing 25 million registered Kenyans and 10,000 contracted health facilities, benefits from streamlined service approval.
9. The biometric verification can be done through fingerprint scans or the SHA-approved mobile app Practice 360, improving accessibility and convenience.
10. Kenya has also launched a Health Information Exchange System (HIES), enabling real-time, secure data sharing between hospitals, counties, and the national SHA platform.
11. The drug track-and-trace system will monitor the movement of pharmaceutical products from manufacturers to patients, ensuring their authenticity.
12. Pharmaceutical companies are required to upload certified product data, or face deregistration, under the new system.
13. The Ministry of Health has activated a National Product Catalogue integrated with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), ensuring authorized and approved pharmaceutical products are administered.
14. Full digitization in all public hospitals is expected by November.
15. The Kenya Dentists and Practitioners Council (KDPC) will use digital tools to identify and deregister fraudulent or non-compliant facilities under the Taifa Care network.
16. The CS launched four SHA digital platforms at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), with claims totaling Sh1.4 billion, Sh1 billion of which has been reimbursed.
17. The biometric system aims to reduce fraud, increase efficiency, and support UHC efforts by ensuring reliable patient verification and streamlined service approval.
18. Advancements in health sector extend to eye, hearing, and skin conditions, with improved diagnostics and treatments being developed.
19. Workplace wellness programs targeting chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory and digestive health conditions, are on the rise in the Kenyan industry.
20. Mental health issues, including migraines and neurological disorders, are gaining attention, with CBD-infused products and therapy sessions becoming more widespread.
21. Cardiovascular health is being prioritized, with smart wearables and heart rate monitors helping to manage risk factors.
22. Energy-efficient hospitals emphasizing renewable energy sources are under development to minimize carbon footprints and costs.
23. The housing market is adapting to promote health and wellness, with smart home devices such as air purifiers, water filtration systems, and automated lighting systems becoming popular.
24. Cybersecurity measures are essential in the digital health hub, safeguarding patient data and preventing breaches.
25. Lifestyle changes include adopting healthy-cooking techniques and eating global cuisines, with various food-and-drink options, such as beverages and baking recipes, helping to improve diets.
26. Personal finance management is crucial, with investing in wealth management, real-estate, and personal finance education empowering individuals to make sound financial decisions.
27. Home-and-garden improvements focus on sustainable living, catering to energy efficiency, eco-friendly gardens, and gadgets like smartphones, smartphones, and data-and-cloud-computing devices.
28. Attention to relationships, art, cooking, and lifestyle choices are integral to overall health, encouraging balance, mental stability, and well-being.

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