Paper short abstract:

Contrary to the claims of proponents, digital identity systems often reinforce, rather than sweep away the slow violence of bureaucratic procedures. This paper explores how new digital idenity systems in Kenya have bolstered the logic of vetting, part of Kenya’s discriminatory identification regime.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the relationship between digital identity systems and the vetting process in Kenya. Though widely condemned as discriminatory by many human rights groups in Kenya, vetting exercises are a routine part of registering for a national ID for certain ethnic and religious groups, contributing to their racialization and minoritization (Balaton-Chrimes, 2014). Contrary to the claims of many of their proponents, digital identity systems can often reinforce, rather than sweep away the slow violence of onerous, paper-based bureaucratic procedures (Sriraman, 2018; Dalberto and Banégas, 2021). Digitization can also increase the role of bureaucratic discretion, rather than reducing its impact (Vrăbiescu, 2022). As this paper argues, the introduction of new digital idenity systems in Kenya has largely ended up bolstering the logic of vetting, a centerpiece of Kenya’s discriminatory identification regime. This paper also explores why it is so difficult for stakeholders, including civil society groups, to operate outside the logic of vetting.