Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

The government has clarified that the digital national identification, known as the Maisha Card, will not be mandatory.

Speaking yesterday during a meeting with civil society groups, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the government will continue with the ongoing sensitization programme to ensure that no one will be coerced to get the card.

“There have been several attempts by the government to launch the digital ID. Most attempts have failed because Kenyans were not educated about it. However this time round we have decided to come together to ensure that everyone is brought on board without being forced.”

He added: “We are here to bring public confidence. This card is very secure and important to all of us,” he said.

September launch

President William Ruto is scheduled to launch the Sh1 billion project on September 29, which aims to transform the country into a digital Unique Personal Identifier (UPI)-based national identity database.

The government has set aside Sh1 billion for the Unique Personal Identifiers (UPIs) for all Kenyans.

The Executive Director at Amnesty International Kenya Irungu Hughton said as civil groups they are keen towards ensuring that the card is safe.

“ We have already set up a public working group whose work will be to act as the public eye towards ensuring that the card guarantees public safety and ensures there is inclusion,” he said.

Biometric data

Bitok clarified that, unlike the Huduma Number, which required the collection of biometric data from the public, the Maisha Number will be generated using existing databases, including those from civil registration.

He however noted that the new card will incorporate advanced security and technological enhancements. In contrast to the existing IDs, it will also facilitate digital identification.

 Maisha Namba will serve as a unique personal identification number assigned to Kenyan citizens upon registration, typically at birth.

 This number will become their lifelong personal identity number from birth to death.

The card will feature a photo image of the applicant, an ID number, a card serial number, biometric data, biographic data, residential particulars, and advanced security elements.

Also proposed is a National Master Population Register that will consolidate existing and independent databases into a single integrated register for all data on Kenyans and foreigners resident in the country.

Maisha card which will bear Maisha Namba will essentially be a third generation ID that will replace the current second generation ID.