ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian athletics legend Kenenisa Bekele has called on citizens to embrace digital identity registration, describing it as essential for national development and individual empowerment.
His comments came during a 5-kilometer public run on Sunday in the capital, which drew over 25,000 participants and doubled as a campaign to promote the National Digital ID, also known as Fayda.
The event, organized by the National ID Program in collaboration with the Civil Registration and Residency Service Agency, aimed to boost awareness of digital ID registration while promoting physical fitness and national unity.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency(EPA), Kenenisa compared the significance of a digital ID to that of a passport in developed nations. “In countries with strong digital infrastructure, digital identity functions like a passport, enabling access to services across regions. Ethiopia must not be left behind—we need every citizen to register,” he said.
He also emphasized that sports serve as a powerful tool to unite citizens, promote health, and inspire productivity. “Events like this help build not only strong bodies, but also a strong nation,” he noted, adding that such mass participation fosters peace and social cohesion.
The event highlighted how physical activities can be integrated with national campaigns to amplify public engagement. Kenenisa praised the ongoing development of road infrastructure in Addis Ababa, noting that the city is becoming increasingly suitable for hosting major sporting events. “The new road projects are a model for other African cities—ideal for both runners and the broader urban population,” he said.
Organizers described the run as a dual-purpose campaign—encouraging digital identity adoption while showcasing sport as a driver of social transformation. Citizens were reminded that digital ID is not just a document but a gateway to accessing government services, protecting rights, and participating in the digital economy.
Kenenisa concluded by urging all Ethiopians to register for their Fayda ID, calling it “a personal passport to a modern Ethiopia.”
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 13 MAY 2025
