Govt Issues Fresh Update On Maisha Number Rollout
The government has announced the start of civic education on the controversial Maisha Namba, a unique identifier for individuals.
Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok disclosed in a statement released on Friday, September 15, that the purpose of civic education is to make people aware of the benefits of the unique personal identifier.
During a meeting conducted at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, Bitok urged approximately 400 Regional, County, and District commissioners to involve the public and other relevant stakeholders.
“In the next two weeks, we urge you to take time and explain to Wananchi what digital ID is and why the government is introducing it. The President is keen to leverage technology for service delivery.” Bitok noted.
Bitok observed that the existing registration and Identity ecosystem, which has been in place for nearly three decades, is antiquated and requires modernization to conform to international standards.
“Kenya’s commitment to the East Africa Common Market Protocol necessitates the issuance of electronic national ID cards conforming to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for travel documents,” the PS stated.
President William Ruto, who is presently out of the country, will preside over the launch of the Maisha number in Nakuru County on Friday, September 29.
The PS also disclosed that additional engagement sessions with stakeholders, including civil society, religious and elected leaders, and the private sector, are planned.
Maisha Namba will function as a unique identification number assigned to Kenyan citizens at the time of registration, typically at birth.
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“This number will become their lifelong personal identity number from birth to death. For newborns, Maisha Namba will also serve as their birth certificate number, facilitating registration in educational institutions, NHIF, and transitioning to an ID number once they reach 18 years of age.”
The number will also be used to access various government services, including KRA, NSSF, NHIF, and NEMIS, for the duration of their lives.
Using fingerprint biometric technology, this master database will administer data for all registered citizens, refugees, and foreigners, thereby enhancing data accuracy and dependability.
UPI will also consolidate existing independent databases into a single integrated register, which will serve as the central repository for all data about Kenyan citizens and foreign inhabitants.
The Digital ID, on the other hand, will be a digital representation of a person, organization, or device, typically including personal attributes, credentials, and authentication.
Maisha card which will exhibit Maisha Namba will essentially be a 3rd generation ID that will replace the current 2nd generation ID.
It will have enhanced security features, such as a microprocessor chip with encrypted data, which will make forgery and manipulation virtually impossible.
The card will include a photograph of the applicant, an identification number, a serial number, biometric data, biographic data, domicile information, and advanced security features.
Govt Issues Fresh Update On Maisha Number Rollout