All first time Identity card holders will be issued with the Maisha Card from today as part of the pilot scheme introducing digital registration of persons in the country
Immigration principal secretary Julius Bitok has also announced that applicants of duplicate ID cards will receive the Maisha card starting today racing against 5000 duplicate ID applications the register receives daily.
Speaking after meeting civil society members, Bitok has said the department will be expecting feedback on the roll out as the government seeks to digitize its registration to the Maisha number system.
“All Kenyans turning 18 years in whichever part 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,” he said.
To enhance security and minimise risk of forgery, Maisha card will feature a microprocessor electronic chip with encrypted data. It will also enjoy features supporting creation of a virtual ID to be known as Maisha Digital ID for those with smart phones.
Maisha Cards will also 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 new-borns 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,” said Bitok.