The government has announced that first-time ID applicants will be issued with Maisha Cards beginning November 1, 2023.

This follows a pilot scheme that will introduce digital registration of persons in the country. Also set to receive the new card with enhanced security are applicants seeking replacements for defaced or lost cards as the government tests the country's preparedness for a full rollout of digital IDs.

In a statement, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok said applicants who have turned 18 years old and those seeking duplicate cards will be among the first to receive the new card.

"All Kenyans turning 18 years in whichever pad of Kenya will be issued with a Maisha Card on a pilot basis. This way, we will establish whether there are any errors or issues before we do the penultimate launch," Bitok said. 

It is estimated that the National Registration Bureau receives around 10,000 applications for first-time IDs across the country every day. On average, a further 5,000 requests for duplicate cards are lodged in its offices and in Huduma Centres daily.

Bitok said the rollout will enable the government to avoid running into pitfalls similar to those that befell the unsuccessful introduction of Huduma Namba.

"Whereas we are happy with the open-door policy that the government has adopted in engaging stakeholders on digital ID, there are areas around data privacy, inclusion of all voices and unfair vetting that needs to be addressed," he added.

Maisha Card features

Maisha card will feature a microprocessor electronic chip with encrypted data. It will also have features supporting the creation of a virtual ID to be known as Maisha Digital ID for those with smartphones.

Maisha Card will feature a unique personal identifier (UPI) number known as Maisha Namba that will be the primary and lifelong registration and identification reference for its holders. 

All newborns will also be issued with Maisha Namba to use in their birth certificates and subsequent registration for government services including school enrolment and health services. The same number will translate to their Maisha card number upon attainment of 18 years.

Under the proposed plan, the government will gradually phase out the 2nd generation IDs in favour of Maisha Card with the current ID number translating to Maisha Namba.

There will however be no mass registration for biometrics or a dedicated budget for the exercise according to PS Bitok.

"During the rollout of Huduma Number, all Kenyans were asked to register afresh. Billions of shillings were used to roll it out. For Maisha Namba, we not harvesting biometrics nor are we asking for additional money. We are using the existent budget for the registration of persons for the Maisha Namba ecosystem rollout," he added.