Govt Gives Way Foward On Maisha Number After Postponing Indefinitely
Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok announced that the government intends to implement the pilot phase of Maisha Namba.
Bitok explained at a public engagement forum with religious leaders that this phase will help the government evaluate the nation’s readiness for the implementation of digital ID.
“We want to make sure that this time, we get it right given the frustrations that have plagued previous attempts to introduce a digital ID.”
In light of the difficulties that have beset previous attempts to implement a digital ID, we want to ensure that this time everything goes smoothly.
However, the PS did not provide specific dates for when the pilot phase is anticipated to begin.
“We have done a data protection impact assessment which was not done in previous projects. We have submitted a data protection impact assessment report to the Data Commissioner to ensure the process follows the law,” he added.
Bitok added that, to date, the Ministry of Interior has held 698 forums involving, among others, civil society, the private sector, the media, development partners, and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
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According to a press release from the Ministry, religious leaders who attended the forum supported the initiative but urged the government to resolve pertinent concerns, such as the security of registration-related personal data.
“As a country, we have to align with global trends and address concerns related to the security of registration documents. But equally important is the assurance that personal data is secure and that it will not fall into the wrong hands,” stated Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) Chairman Phillip Kitoto.
“The government is doing the right thing and we will fully support it. But we want an assurance that we will not be undertaking a similar exercise whenever a new administration comes into place,” supported Pastor Samuel Makori of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The Ministry of the Interior announced on September 29 that the distribution of the card, originally scheduled for October 2, had been suspended indefinitely.
The PS noted at the time that the delay was due to unforeseen circumstances.
President William Ruto was scheduled to inaugurate the initiative at Nakuru Athletic Club.
Govt Gives Way Foward On Maisha Number After Postponing Indefinitely