“The digital ID which has been a big problem to us for a very long time is now on a testing mode for the next two months. I have been assured by all the stakeholders led by the ministries concerned that by December we will be able to launch a digital ID, where every Kenyan will not need to carry any paper plastic or otherwise as an ID,” President Ruto said.
The digital ID was scheduled to be unveiled on October 2, 2023, before the exercise was postponed at the last minute.
“We wish to inform the public and all the stakeholders that, due to unavoidable circumstances, the official launch of the Maisha Namba and the digital ID ecosystem that was to be presided over by His Excellency, the President William Auto, CGH, on October 2, 2023, at the Athletics Club, Nakuru County has been postponed. A new date for the launch will be communicated in due course,” Julius Bitok, the Immigration and Citizen Services Permanent Secretary, said in a statement on September 29.
“Meanwhile, public participation and stakeholders’ engagement forums on Maisha Namba and the digital ID ecosystem that are ongoing across the country will continue,” the statement added.
Maisha Namba will serve as a unique personal identification number assigned to all citizens upon registration, typically at birth.
This number, according to PS Bitok, will become their lifelong personal identity number from birth to death.
“The Maisha number will be given to newborn children and they will use it throughout their lifetime. It will be their ID number, KRA pin, NSSF number, birth and death certificate number,” Bitok said in a past statement.
The new 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.
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