Govt To Begin Pilot Phase For Maisha Namba After Postponing It Indefinitely

The government is set to officially begin the pilot phase for new digital IDs, dubbed Maisha Digital Cards, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok has announced.

Speaking at a forum with religious leaders on Thursday, October 26, Bitok revealed that the pilot phase will help guide the government in terms of preparing the country for the adoption of the digital IDs.

“We intend to have the piloting act as a guide on what we need to do right. We want to make sure that this time, we get it right in view of the frustrations that have plagued previous attempts to introduce a digital ID,” said Bitok.

The PS however did not reveal at what exact date the pilot phase is expected to commence.

Immigration Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok speaking during a media breakfast meeting on the proposed Maisha Namba and Digital/Electronic ID on September 28, 2023. /JULIUS BITOK

Likewise, he indicated that the proposed digital IDs had complied with regulations governing the protection of personal data while noting that the State was committing to avoiding the challenges that culminated in the failure of the Huduma Namba project spearheaded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta's government.

“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.  

“We are going to enhance our national security because the new Maisha Namba card is tamper-proof. With your phone, you can also apply for your Maisha Digital ID and access online services easily. We want to ensure the entire government leverages technology for service delivery."

Bitok added that the Ministry of Interior has so far carried out 698 forums involving civil society, the private sector, media, development partners, and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) among others.

Religious leaders in attendance likewise committed to assisting in raising public awareness during the introduction of the digital cards. 

“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.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had on Wednesday gazetted regulations to establish the new personal registration system.

In the Special Gazette notice dated October 25, CS Kindiki modified the Registration of Persons regulations to encompass the introduction of an electronic card and register. As per the amendments, facial features and fingerprints will also be used for personal identification.

The revised regulations similarly acknowledge the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) Maisha Namba which will be a key part of the new digital identity proposed by the government.

During the rollout, all Kenyans will be assigned a Maisha Namba which will be a unique personal identifier. The new system will thus see all Kenyans assigned Unique Personal Identification (UPI) numbers at birth.

On Friday, September 29, the government postponed the official launch of the Maisha Namba card which was scheduled for October 2, indefinitely, due to what it termed as unavoidable circumstances.

The official launch of the project, estimated to cost Kenyan taxpayers Ksh1 billion, was to take place at the Nakuru Athletic Club and presided over by President William Ruto.