In a recent development that has sent shockwaves across Kenya, the National Computer Cybercrimes Coordination Committee (NC4) has issued a stern warning about the activities of Worldcoin within the country. The Kenyan authorities have raised concerns that the operations of Worldcoin, could potentially pose significant threats to national security and economic stability. The alarm was sounded in a statement by the NC4 and subsequently covered by local media outlet Standard Media, shedding light on the dubious status of Worldcoin’s presence in the African nation.
According to Attorney General Justin Muturi, Worldcoin’s presence in Kenya is not only controversial but also illegal. In a recent appearance before the Ad hoc committee responsible for investigating Worldcoin’s activities, Muturi stated that the cryptocurrency entity had failed to meet the necessary legal requirements for operation within the country. Central to these requirements is registration as a business company, a status that Worldcoin apparently lacks within the Kenyan business regulatory database.
In an intriguing revelation, Muturi declared, “From the information that we have, the name Worldcoin does not appear in the BRS database as a registered business company. This is contrary to the law which provides that all foreign companies must obtain registration.” This disclosure not only points to a glaring violation of Kenyan law but also brings into question the legality and legitimacy of Worldcoin’s operations within the nation’s borders.
Furthermore, Attorney General Muturi drew attention to another concerning aspect. Tools for Humanity, a German-based company affiliated with Worldcoin, was found to be operating on Kenyan soil without proper registration. Just as with Worldcoin, Tools for Humanity’s lack of registration directly conflicts with Kenyan regulations that require foreign companies to obtain proper registration before conducting business within the country.
Interestingly, amidst the allegations of non-compliance and illegal operations, Muturi indicated that Sales Marketing, another subsidiary of Worldcoin, was the sole entity that had managed to secure full registration. Sales Marketing, which was registered in 2013 under the name of Kevin Odumbe, had followed the proper procedures to establish a legal presence in Kenya.
The gravity of the situation prompted the formation of an Ad hoc committee, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, tasked with investigating Worldcoin’s legal status and its adherence to Kenyan laws. This move reflects the government’s determination to uphold its regulatory standards and ensure the well-being of its citizens in the face of potentially harmful business operations.
In response to the allegations, Tools for Humanity (Germany) and Tools of Trade (US), both affiliated with Worldcoin, submitted applications for registration as data processors to the office of the Data Commissioner. These applications were reportedly approved on August 22, raising hopes of rectification and compliance with Kenyan regulations moving forward.
Read more:
- Kenyan Government Suspends Worldcoin Operations Over Data Privacy Concerns
- Worldcoin Faces Ongoing Probe By German Regulators Over Data Collection Practices
- Worldcoin Responds To Kenyan Government’s Suspension With Privacy And Inclusivity Commitment