5 Govt Services to be Accessed Using Digital ID Maisha Namba
The Kenyan government has provided an update on the government services that citizens will only be able to access with their Maisha Namba digital ID.
According to the State Department of Citizen Services, Kenyans will use Maisha Namba to obtain Birth and Death certificates.
In addition, Kenyans requesting health services from public hospitals will be required to present a digital ID to gain access to services.
To register for a passport or national identification card, Kenyans will be required to present their Maisha Namba.
“The Digital ID will be used for other services that necessitate real-time authentication of individuals’ particulars and identity,” the State Department explained further.
Julius Bitok, principal secretary of the State Department of Citizen Services, had previously informed Kenyans that the Maisha Namba would not be required.
While the government has not completely retracted its earlier statement, it has added that all Kenyans will be required to register for Digital IDs within a specific timeframe.
ALSO READ: PS Bitok: Maisha Number Will Not Be Mandatory
In addition to becoming the primary form of identification, the government will eliminate licenses, social security cards, and health insurance cards.
“As a single unique identification number will be employed, the requirement for other IDs and possibly certain identification cards will be gradually phased out,” the government outlined the long-term plan for the Maisha Namba.
“By the end of the rollout phase, all stakeholders will have been fully onboarded.”
The department managed by Bitok has allayed concerns that the government is using the exercise to collect personal information.
To clarify, the government will collect your biometrics and compare them to the National ID database to verify your identity, but the biometrics will not be stored.
On Friday, September 29, 2023, President William Ruto will officially launch the lifetime identification number in Nakuru County.
5 Govt Services to be Accessed Using Digital ID Maisha Namba