First-time ID applicants, replacements to be issued with Maisha Cards as Gov’t begins piloting of Digital ID

Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary (PS) Prof. Julius Bitok has announced that first-time ID applicants, will from November 1 (today), be issued with Maisha Cards in line with the pilot scheme to roll out digital registration of persons across the country.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday after hosting members of the Civil Society to a briefing session on digital IDs, Prof. Bitok noted that applicants aged 18 and above seeking to replace defaced or lost IDs will be given the new cards.

“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 penultimate launch,” he said.

While noting that the government expects to obtain useful feedback on what it will take to successfully roll out mass replacement of the current IDs,  Bitok highlighted that the government was keen to avoid running into pitfalls similar to those that befell the unsuccessful introduction of Huduma Namba.

Civil Society representatives led by Amnesty International (Kenya) Executive Director Irungu Houghton pledged to support public participation and stakeholder forums on the digital IDs.

The representatives, who presented a memorandum of concerns on digital ID to the PS, urged the government to ensure apprehensions around data security and protection and genuine public participation and inclusion of marginalised communities were addressed.

“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 needs to be addressed,” Houghton said.

To enhance security and minimise risk of forgery, Maisha card will feature a microprocessor electronic chip with encrypted data. It will also enjoy features supporting creation of a virtual ID to be known as Maisha Digital ID for those with smart phones.

Maisha Cards will also feature a unique personal identifier (UPI) number known as Maisha Namba that will be the primary and lifelong registration and identification reference for its holders.

"All new-borns will also be issued with Maisha Namba to use in their birth certificates and subsequent registration for government services including school enrolment and health services," said Bitok.

"The same number will translate to their Maisha card number upon attainment of 18 years. Under the proposed plan, the government will gradually phase out the 2nd generation IDs in favour of Maisha Card with the current ID number translating to Maisha Namba. There will however be no mass registration for biometrics or a dedicated budget," the PS added.

He added that the Maisha Namba, Maisha Card and Maisha Digital ID will be consolidated into a population register to be known as Maisha Integrated Database. This will negate vetting for issuance of Identity Cards.

“This will revolutionise inclusivity for marginalized communities through voiding the need for vetting,” said the PS.