Bitok revealed that the registration would be voluntary as the government planned to rely on the new digital features of the IDs to bolster uptake.
Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has assured Kenyans that they will not be compelled to register for the Maisha Cards after revoking the mandatory mass registration for the digital identity cards.
Instead, Bitok revealed that the registration would be voluntary as the government planned to rely on the new digital features of the IDs to bolster uptake.
The PS, in his announcement further assured that “The current ID (second generation) remains a valid registration document.”
The new Maisha cards will thus offer enhanced security and technological features that support digital identification.
New Generations Identification Card. /FINANCIAL FORTUNE MEDIA
“All newborns and individuals registering for IDs for the first time will be issued a lifetime Maisha Namba, which will serve as their registration number for school, NHIF, KRA, and other government services,” Bitok added.
Bitok has previously stated that the new ID is being introduced to align with international identification standards. The Maisha Card, along with its infrastructure, including the Maisha Number, digital ID, and the Maisha database was introduced in November 2023.
The card features a machine-readable microchip designed to enhance security and contains personal details. Similar to ATM cards, the microchip has a maximum lifespan of 10 years from the date of issuance.
The PS’s announcement comes days after the High Court set aside conservatory orders issued on Thursday, July 25 that suspended plans by the government to roll out a digital identification card called the Maisha Namba Card, a move that handed a significant win to Kenyan Identity Card seekers.
In its ruling issued on Monday, August 12, High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi directed that the rollout commences after finding that the suspension had threatened adverse consequences to a large number of Kenyans seeking ID cards.
“In view of the foregoing findings, I allow the 2nd Respondent/Applicant’s Application (the Interior Cabinet Secretary) to review and set aside the conservatory order of July 25, 2024,” Mugambi ruled.
“Further, in view of the findings, I find no juridical significance that is left in the Petitioner/Respondent’s application of July 23, 2024 hence it is struck out together with the ensuant directions issued thereto.”
Mugambi also found that Kenyans not getting identity cards could mean loss of job opportunities. Furthermore, they ran the risk of not accessing other crucial documents like driving licences, registration of companies and businesses and so on.
A photo of Kenyan ID cards ready for collection at Huduma Center. /IMMIGRATION AND CITIZEN SERVICES