Gov’t calls for public participation on Maisha Card

The government has launched a nationwide awareness campaign on proposed regulations for the issuance of new national ID cards, as well as birth and death certificates.

Starting next week, regional and county commissioners will coordinate public and stakeholder participation forums to discuss the draft regulations for the Registration of Persons Amendment Rules 2024 and the Birth and Death Registration Amendment Rules 2024.

The regulations are crucial for the rollout of the Maisha Card and its associated features, including the virtual ID, which the government has been piloting since November last year.

Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who chaired a planning meeting with regional and county commissioners at the Kenya School of Government, emphasized the government's commitment to extensive and interactive forums to enrich the draft regulations.

“Public participation is not merely a procedural obligation but a fundamental aspect of our democratic system,” said PS Bitok.

“It presents a unique opportunity to dispel misconceptions about Maisha Namba and Maisha Card, ensuring that citizens grasp the benefits and scope of these initiatives.”

He assured the public that their feedback would be taken seriously, highlighting the government's aim to avoid the challenges faced during previous attempts to introduce new ID cards.

The upcoming forums are a continuation of similar sessions held with other stakeholders and interest groups over the past year.

"Over the past year, we have conducted 800 public engagement exercises, and we will continue until every Kenyan comprehends and embraces the Maisha Namba system," Bitok added.

During the meeting with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), communication around issues such as the expiration of Maisha Cards was also refined.

PS Bitok clarified that the expiration of a Maisha Card would not result in a loss of citizenship; the cardholder would only need to renew the document.

He also defended the revised fees for acquiring or replacing the Maisha card, noting that the costs were highly subsidized despite the high production costs due to the card’s advanced features.