The new Maisha Namba digital ID has been issued to nearly 13 million Kenyans. In the following two years, the government hopes to issue 32 million IDs.
This was disclosed by Principal Secretary Julius Bitok during a NADPA conference in Nairobi. The Maisha Namba digital ID serves as an all-in-one document that functions as an identification card, driving license, and social security card.
It aims to streamline service delivery and eliminate duplicative data submission, which will improve access to essential services.
The government plans to issue 3 million IDs and 1 million biometric passports by the end of the year.
The Maisha Namba digital ID faced initial hurdles, with some citizens and civil society groups raising concerns about data privacy, security, and the potential for exclusion of marginalised groups.
The government has taken steps to address these concerns, such as appointing a Data Protection Commissioner and ensuring that marginalised communities are included in the registration process.
Efforts are in place to ensure data protection and safeguard the information collected during the registration process.
The Maisha Namba digital ID also aims to be inclusive, and the government has taken steps to ensure that marginalised communities, such as persons with disabilities and refugees, are included in the registration process.
The Maisha Namba digital ID issuance is part of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, and 20,000–30,000 IDs are issued daily.
The successful implementation of the Maisha Namba digital ID will depend on the government’s ability to scale up its operations and ensure that the registration process is smooth and efficient.
Challenges and hurdles faced during the implementation process include a court order that temporarily halted its implementation.
However, the government has worked to overcome these challenges and is committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the Maisha Namba digital ID.
The benefits of the Maisha Namba digital ID are numerous, including streamlined service delivery and the elimination of duplicative data submission.
It will also reduce the need for multiple identification documents, making it easier for Kenyan citizens to access essential services.
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The impact of the Maisha Namba digital ID will be wide-reaching, as it will improve service delivery and enhance the efficiency of government operations.
The Maisha Namba digital ID is undeniably a significant development in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
The government’s plans to issue 32 million IDs in the next two years are a testament to its commitment to improving service delivery and eliminating duplicative data submission.
The successful implementation of the Maisha Namba digital ID will have significant benefits for Kenya’s citizens.