Kenya has discontinued the use of One-Time Password (OTP) verification codes for patients in its public healthcare system, reinstating biometric identification in an effort to reduce fraud and improve service delivery. The announcement came this week from the Social Health Authority (SHA), the government body managing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Biometric System Reinstated After Widespread Complaints
The SHA had introduced OTP-based patient authentication in 2024 during its transition from the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). The move was part of a broader digital modernization initiative, but the OTP system quickly drew criticism. Patients in rural areas struggled with poor mobile coverage, and healthcare providers reported frequent delays in delivering services due to failed verifications.
A report from The Eastleigh Voice News revealed that over 60 percent of health facilities cited OTP verification delays as a major obstacle to timely care. Officials also noted the system’s susceptibility to fraud, particularly through manipulation of registered phone numbers, prompting concerns over misuse of the health insurance fund.
In response to mounting pressure, the Ministry of Health has begun distributing biometric authentication devices to public hospitals and major clinics across the country. The biometric system verifies patients using fingerprint and facial recognition, with each scan linked to a central database for real-time validation. This system also enables the detection of duplicate or suspicious claims using automated pattern recognition tools.
Focus Shifts to Security and Efficiency
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the decision to abandon OTP verification was based on operational challenges and public feedback. The SHA confirmed that biometric checks are now mandatory at all Level 4 to Level 6 hospitals and will be rolled out to lower-tier facilities in the coming months. Healthcare workers are receiving training on the updated system to ensure smooth implementation nationwide.
This policy shift aligns Kenya with other countries in the region that are adopting stronger identity verification measures in their public health sectors. In April 2025, South Africa launched a multi-agency digital ID platform to support secure access to government services, signaling a broader continental push toward biometric infrastructure.
As Kenya phases out the flawed OTP system, the emphasis is now on restoring trust in public health services and ensuring that only eligible beneficiaries access government-funded care.
Sources: The Eastleigh Voice, Kenyans.co.ke
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
