Gov’t to launch Maisha Namba registration exercise next week

The government has announced plans to launch registration of the proposed Maisha Namba digital ID on Monday next week in Nakuru County.

Speaking at a media breakfast on Thursday morning, State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok noted that the proposal is not entirely new but an upgrade of previous attempts.

“We have a solution that we believe is going to transform this nation,” said PS Bitok, adding that the foundation of digital services is to get it right at the identity level.

Maisha Namba, a 14-digit Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), will be issued to newborns at birth and a lifetime number that will be in, among other documents, the birth certificate, Maisha card, driver’s license and even death certificate.

PS Bitok likened the Maisha Namba to the Social Security number associated with citizens and residents of the US.

He noted that lessons had been learnt from previous similar attempts, stating that they believe they got it right this time.

“The government has been trying this. There have been four attempts, but none has succeeded because of exclusivity. This time round, we want to get it right by ensuring that we listen to every person who has a different idea or opinion,” added the PS.

While responding to queries on what the process will cost the taxpayer, Bitok assured that they will not be requesting for more funds from the Treasury but will use the current budget as it is to fund the process.

The State department, led by the PS, has been holding public participation sessions and sensitization exercises with various stakeholders, among them religious leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector and media.

The PS has assured the public that Maisha Namba complies with all the relevant data protection laws and legal requirements.