In response to recent concerns raised by the civil society regarding the legality and propriety of the new Maisha Card, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has issued a detailed press statement to address these issues and provide a status update on the issuance of the National ID Card, also known as the Maisha Card. The Principal Secretary, Julius K. Bitok, emphasized the card’s compliance with international standards, enhanced security features, and the extensive stakeholder engagement that preceded its introduction.
Introduction and Rationale Behind the Maisha Card
The Maisha Card, along with its supporting infrastructure, was introduced in November 2023 as part of a comprehensive system that includes the Unique Personal Identifier (Maisha Number), a digital ID, and the National Integrated Personal Registration System (Maisha Database). According to the State Department, the National Registration Bureau (NRB) has already issued 972,630 Maisha cards, consisting of 531,329 new applications and 441,301 duplicates.
The implementation of the Maisha ecosystem was driven by several factors:
- Compliance with Best Practices: The system adheres to regional and international best practices regarding the standardization of essential features of personal registration documents, including the National ID Card.
- ICAO Requirements: The Maisha Card meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for cross-border identification documents, ensuring its acceptance and utility for international travel.
- Enhanced Security: The system incorporates advanced security features in the National ID card, making it significantly more resistant to forgery and tampering.
- Digital ID Features: The introduction of the Maisha Card includes capabilities for a digital version of the National ID Card, facilitating easier and more secure access to various services.
- Database Consolidation: By consolidating multiple existing databases into a single master national register, the system eliminates the need for multiple and separate personal registration records.
Stakeholder Engagement
The introduction of the Maisha Card followed an extensive process of public and stakeholder engagements. The Principal Secretary highlighted that the department conducted at least 820 engagement sessions, involving civil society, religious leaders, the private sector, the media, and the general public. This extensive consultation process aimed to ensure that the new system addressed the concerns and needs of all stakeholders while aligning with legal and regulatory frameworks.
Features and Renewal of the Maisha Card
One of the notable features of the Maisha Card is its machine-readable microchip, which contains relevant security features and personal details. Similar to ATM cards, the microchip has a shelf life of up to ten years from the date of issuance. The expiration date of the Maisha Card is not linked to the general election date, dispelling any concerns about its potential misuse for political purposes.
Holders of the Maisha Card will be required to renew their National ID cards every ten years. This practice is consistent with other countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France, which have implemented ID cards with microchips. Applicants seeking renewal of expired National ID cards will not need to provide fresh biometric data. However, they will need to retake their passport-sized photos due to possible changes in facial features over time.
Commitment to Efficient Service Delivery
The NRB acknowledges the importance of the National ID Card as both a constitutional right and an essential identification document. In light of this, the bureau is committed to ensuring that all eligible Kenyans receive their Maisha Cards as quickly as possible. To meet the increasing demand for services, the NRB has acquired a modern printer and enhanced its printing capacity to produce 30,000 National ID Cards per day, far exceeding the average daily demand of 10,000 applications.
Addressing Civil Society Concerns
The press statement from the Principal Secretary serves as a comprehensive response to the concerns raised by the civil society. By outlining the rationale behind the Maisha ecosystem, detailing the extensive stakeholder engagement process, and highlighting the features and benefits of the Maisha Card, the government aims to reassure the public of the system’s legality and propriety. The introduction of the Maisha Card marks a significant step towards modernizing personal identification in Kenya, aligning with international standards, and enhancing the security and efficiency of the National ID Card system.
In conclusion, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services remains committed to ensuring that the Maisha Card and its supporting infrastructure serve the best interests of all Kenyans. Through continued engagement with stakeholders and the public, the department aims to address any ongoing concerns and facilitate a smooth transition to the new identification system.
