The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has defended the introduction of the new Maisha Card, a digital ID, amidst growing concerns from civil society groups regarding its legality and propriety.
The Maisha Card, launched in November 2023, represents a significant shift in the country’s identification system, integrating advanced digital features and consolidating multiple databases.
The Maisha Card, along with its Unique Personal Identifier (Maisha Number), digital ID, and the National Integrated Personal Registration System (Maisha Database), has seen significant uptake – according to a press statement from the office of Principal Secretary Julius Kibet Bitok dated July 22, 2024.
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services said that 972,630 Maisha Cards have been issued so far. These include 531,329 new applications and 441,301 duplicates.
Bitok emphasized that the new system aims to comply with international standards, enhance security, and streamline identification processes.
“The Maisha ecosystem aligns with regional and international best practices and complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements on cross-border identification documents,” Bitok stated.
He emphasized that the digital features are designed to prevent forgery and tampering, a significant step forward for Kenya’s national security.
Bitok said the rollout followed extensive stakeholder engagement, with over 820 consultations involving civil society, religious leaders, the private sector, media, and the public.
Despite this, civil society groups have raised questions about the transparency and legality of the process.
Critics argue that the system’s implementation lacked sufficient public consultation and could infringe on privacy rights.
The Maisha Card includes a machine-readable microchip containing personal details and security features.
This chip has a lifespan of up to 10 years, after which the cardholders must renew their IDs.
This renewal process, which is standard in several other countries, will not require new biometric data but will involve retaking passport-sized photos to reflect any changes in facial features over the decade.
“The expiry date has no correlation with the general election date,” Bitok clarified, addressing rumors linking the card’s expiration to political cycles.
In response to the growing demand for new IDs, the National Registration Bureau (NRB) has upgraded its printing capacity to produce 30,000 cards per day, significantly higher than the average daily demand of 10,000 applications.
This move aims to ensure that all eligible Kenyans receive their identification cards promptly, recognizing the National ID as a constitutional right and an essential document.
Despite the government’s assurances, civil society groups continue to call for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Maisha Card system.
They stress the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect citizens’ privacy and data security in the wake of this digital transformation.
As Kenya stands at the forefront of digital innovation in personal identification, the debate surrounding the Maisha Card highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and safeguarding civil liberties.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the government addresses these concerns while maintaining its commitment to modernization and security.
