Why Police Blocked Thousands From Worldcoin Registration & Ksh8K Reward
Owing to the challenges faced as a result of the high cost of living, many Kenyans showed up as early as 6.00 am at KICC with the prospect of receiving the Ksh8,000 token.
Marvin Chege 
Thousands of Kenyans who were hoping to benefit from the nearly Ksh8,000 offered by cryptocurrency firm, Worldcoin were left with disappointment after being turned away by security officers.
Kenyans showed up in their thousands at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to undergo the eye-scanning registration process through the company's 'Orb' in exchange for 25 WLD tokens (about Ksh7,786).
Owing to the challenges faced as a result of the high cost of living, many Kenyans showed up as early as 6.00 am at KICC with the prospect of receiving the Ksh8,000 token.
The registration exercise was however stopped by the government which cited security concerns.
A Kenyan participating in a Worldcoin registration exercise at KICC on August 1, 2023. /FACEBOOK.ANYAMAH WA ANYAMAH
To be specific, security officials were overwhelmed by the high number of Kenyans crowding at Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), thus prompting the termination of the exercise.
KICC is strategically located within the precincts of several government buildings, including Parliament, most of which require individuals to obtain clearance before accessing the premises, thus the influx of crowds at KICC was viewed to be a security risk.
The Worldcoin team had revealed that they received instructions from the police to look for alternative venues that would not pose a security risk to the existing government buildings and institutions.
In response, the team was considering relocating the registration exercise to Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums which have the capacity to accommodate large crowds without the need to endanger critical government installations.
After the interruption of the registration exercise at KICC by the police, Worldcoin's website indicated a decrease in activity within the country.
Kenyans who had turned up for the registration were informed that a new registration exercise would take place on Wednesday, August 2, giving them another opportunity to participate.
Since its launch, Worldcoin has experienced significant interest, registering over 2.1 million people globally. Notably, 350,000 Kenyans have already signed up for the Worldcoin platform, indicating the widespread interest in the cryptocurrency offering within the country.
"The ODPC is aware that WorldCoin has now been launched and is processing sensitive personal data in a manner that requires a demonstration of proper safeguards under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
"The Data Protection Act gives the Office functions and powers to conduct assessments and request information to ascertain whether personal data is processed in accordance with the Act," the statement from ODPC read in part, but Kenyans defied ODPC's cautionary advice and sought the Ksh8,000 token anyway.
The main offering of the digital identity crypto project is a World ID or a “digital passport,” which it says proves to other users that the holder is a real human being and not an AI bot.
The Orb is a bowling ball-sized chrome gadget, which uses a system of infrared cameras, sensors and AI-powered neural networks to scan one’s iris to verify one is a human being.
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