Nairobi — Kenyans who lose their ATM cards could soon get replacements in just 60 seconds instead of waiting days or even weeks, thanks to a new smart card factory launched in Nairobi.
The newly opened SecureID Kenya plant says it has advanced kiosk machines that can instantly print bank cards once linked to a bank's system and after customer details are verified.
The machines could be placed in strategic locations such as shopping malls, airports, bank branches and other public centres, making it easier for customers to get new cards quickly.
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This could be a major relief for thousands of bank customers who are often left stranded after losing cards, damaging them or waiting long periods for replacements.
Once integrated with a bank's secure systems, the self-service kiosk can print a personalised ATM card in a record 60 seconds after the required details are entered and approved.
The service could help customers avoid long queues, repeated bank visits and delayed access to money.
The kiosk technology comes as SecureID officially opened East Africa's first smart card manufacturing facility in Nairobi.
The company will produce banking cards, SIM cards and government identity solutions locally.
Founder and Executive Chairlady Kofo Akinkugbe said the company is bringing world-class services closer to Kenyan customers.
"We are bringing services already enjoyed by some institutions closer to the market that encouraged us to come," she said.
She added that the facility is meant to solve real business challenges through speed, lower costs and global standards.
Many bank customers in Kenya have complained for years about delayed ATM card replacements after theft, expiry or technical faults.
With instant issuance machines, banks may soon offer same-minute replacement cards at convenient locations.
Customers travelling through airports or visiting malls could replace cards without needing to wait for central processing.
The new Nairobi facility is part of a wider $20 million investment and is expected to create jobs while reducing imports of banking cards and other secure products.
Chairman of the Financial Inclusion Fund Advisory Board Habil Olaka who was present during the launch said local production will improve reliability in the financial sector.
"When critical components are imported, delays and disruptions affect the entire system. Local production improves responsiveness and continuity," he said.
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If widely adopted by banks, the new machines could mean instant ATM card replacement, faster access to money, less travel to bank branches, better customer convenience and modern banking services.
For many Kenyans, losing an ATM card may soon stop being a stressful experience.
