The Ministry of Interior has begun rolling out the much-touted Maisha Namba with a special focus on two categories of Kenyans.
Speaking after hosting members of the Civil Society to a briefing session on digital ID on Wednesday, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Prof Julius Bitok noted that the pilot phase will target first-time applicants.
Also set to receive the new card with enhanced security are applicants seeking replacements for defaced or lost 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 stated.
According to the PS, 10,000 individuals apply for a new identification card every day while 5,000 apply for duplicates.
The pilot process is expected to help the State assess any errors likely to be found within the digital-based Maisha Namba before a penultimate rollout.
Bitok noted the government was keen on avoiding running into pitfalls similar to those that befell the unsuccessful introduction of Huduma Namba.
Present at the event, Amnesty International (Kenya) Executive Director Irungu Houghton flanked by other Civil Society representatives pledged to support public participation and stakeholder forums on digital ID.
“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," he stated.
Maisha Card will 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 newborns 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.
The same number will translate to their Maisha Card number when they attain 18 years.
