The Kenyan government has announced it will begin issuing new digital ID cards called Maisha Cards to first-time applicants and those seeking replacements, as part of a pilot program introducing digital registration of citizens across the country.
The Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said 18-year-olds and applicants seeking duplicate cards will be among the first to receive the highly-secure Maisha Card.
“All Kenyans turning 18 years in whichever part of Kenya will be issued with a Maisha Card on a pilot basis. This way, we will establish whether there are any errors or issues before we do the final launch,” Bitok said.
The National Registration Bureau receives around 10,000 first-time ID applications daily. Another 5,000 requests for duplicates are filed in its offices and Huduma Centres each day.
Bitok said the government hopes to obtain useful feedback during the pilot scheme to avoid pitfalls similar to the unsuccessful rollout of Huduma Namba. It will use this period to address potential challenges and hold more public participation and stakeholder awareness sessions.
“Whereas we are happy with the open-door policy that the government has adopted in engaging stakeholders on digital ID, there are areas around data privacy, inclusion of all voices, and unfair vetting that need to be addressed,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International (Kenya), who presented concerns in a meeting with Bitok.
To enhance security, the Maisha Card will contain an encrypted microprocessor chip and support a virtual ID system called Maisha Digital ID for smartphone users. The card will feature a Unique Personal Identifier number known as Maisha Namba, which will be each holder’s primary identification reference for government services like school enrollment and healthcare.
President William Ruto announced Monday the government’s plan to pilot digital IDs to complement online services. Under the proposal, current ID numbers would convert to Maisha Namba, and the 2nd generation IDs will gradually phase out in favor of the Maisha Card.
Bitok stressed no mass registration for biometrics or dedicated budget is required, unlike the failed Huduma Namba program. “We are using the existent budget for registration of persons for the Maisha Namba ecosystem rollout,” he explained.
The Maisha Namba, Maisha Card and Maisha Digital ID platforms will consolidate into a population register called the Maisha Integrated Database. Bitok said this will remove the need for vetting when issuing IDs, thereby improving inclusivity.
“This will revolutionize inclusivity for marginalized communities by voiding the need for vetting,” he stated.
The government says it aims to avoid the pitfalls of previous digital ID attempts by using this pilot program to gather feedback, address challenges and increase public participation. Civil society groups have pledged to support the stakeholder engagement process but note lingering concerns around privacy, inclusion and vetting that must be resolved before a full nationwide rollout.
