Kenya is one of several countries implementing digital ID systems to replace existing physical ID cards.
The country has released a new card called ‘Maisha’ Card in 2023in an effort to revolutionize the process of issuing identity documents.
The Maisha card features a electronic microprocessor chip with encrypted data, unique personal identifier (UPI) number known as Maisha Namba, and one virtual identity option for those with smartphones.
The government claims that digital identity will improve service delivery, enhance security, reduce fraud and corruption, and promote social and economic inclusion.
The card will also allow access to various public and private services, such as healthcare, education, banking, voting and social protection.
How does it work
As part of the pilot program, all Kenyans turning 18 across the country will be issued a Maisha card from November 2023. This approach identifies and fixes potential bugs or issues before a full-scale rollout.
Applicants wishing to replace defaced or lost IDs will also be issued new cards.
The Maisha card will also serve as a digital identity to access various government services such as KRA, NSSF, NHIF and NEMIS. The Maisha Namba will be assigned to Kenyan citizens upon registration, usually at birth, and will become their lifelong personal identity number from birth until death.
For newborns, Maisha Namba will also serve as their birth certificate number, facilitating enrollment in educational institutions, NHIF and switching to an ID number once they turn 18.
The government claims that the new system called the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS), it will improve service delivery, strengthen security and promote social and economic inclusion.
However, the project has faced legal, ethical and logistical challenges since its inception.
Lack of Data Protection
One of the main controversies surrounding NIIMS is the lack of data protection and privacy safeguards. The system collects biometric and demographic data of all children, citizens and residents of Kenya, and assigns them a unique identification number called Huduma Namba.
The data is stored in a central database that can be accessed by various government agencies and private entities. However, there is no clear legislation or policy that regulates how the data is collected, stored, shared and used. This raises concerns about possible misuse or abuse of personal information by unauthorized parties.
In 2021, the The High Court of Kenya ruled that the development of NIIMS was illegal because there was no clear documentation of risks to data privacy, and no clear strategy for measuring, mitigating and addressing those risks. The court also found that the public participation process was insufficient and that some vulnerable groups, such as refugees and stateless people, could be excluded or discriminated against by the system.
The court directed the government to enact a comprehensive data protection law and conduct fresh public participation exercise before proceeding with NIIMS.
Kenya ID Fees
Another controversy is the introduction of a new fee for obtaining or replacing national identity cards. The government has announced that from January 2022, applicants will have to do so pay 100 Kenyan shillings (about $10) for a new or replacement ID. This sparked a national outcry, as many Kenyans argued that the charge was unfair and unconstitutional.
ONE report filed from a surgeon questioned the legality of the charge and argued that it would make the IDs unaffordable for many ordinary citizens. The Supreme Court agreed and issued an order to stay the charge pending trial and determination of the case.
Where are we now?
A Kenyan High Court recently lifted an order preventing the Kenyan government from printing new digital IDs.
High Court Judge John Chigiti reviewed and lifted earlier orders and further directed that the matter be transferred to the constitutional human rights division for hearing and decision.
After the lifting of the precautionary measures, the government will now speed up the issuance of the new cards. He said over 60,000 Kenyans he had already applied for the identity cards.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Twitterand Instagramand subscribe to our weekly newsletter to make sure you don’t miss any news.
Related