The kipande was an identity document during the British-ruled Kenya Colony and featured basic personal details, fingerprints and an employment history.
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The Native Registration Amendment Ordinance of 1920 made it compulsory for African males above the age of 15 to wear it at all times around their necks. The effect of its adoption was to restrict the mobility of Africans radically. The main intent of the policy was supposedly to keep track of the labour pool efficiently. [1]
The kipande caused much resentment as all African males were required to wear it at all times around their necks. [2]
The word "Kipande" is also part of some placenames in Kenya.[ citation needed ]
