Government Defends New ID System (Maisha Cards) Amid Election Rigging Fears.

The Immigration Department has dismissed concerns raised by civil society groups over the new Maisha Cards, which are set to replace the current second-generation ID cards in Kenya. These cards, which expire after ten years, bear the digital unique personal identifier (UPI) known as Maisha Namba.

Introduced in late 2023, the Maisha Cards aim to modernize identification with a smart card that includes a digital signature tied to the master national population register. The UPI, issued at birth as a birth certificate number, becomes essential for citizens once they reach 18 years of age.

On Sunday, civil society groups raised alarms about the Maisha Cards' expiration period, suggesting that it might be a ploy to manipulate future elections. "It raises a lot of suspicion and one can see it is a scheme to rig elections,” a spokesperson said. Concerns were specifically highlighted for holders whose digital IDs will expire in 2032, coinciding with the end of President William Ruto’s potential second term if re-elected in 2027. They feared these individuals might be unable to register as voters without valid IDs.

However, Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok refuted these claims in a statement on Monday, asserting that the expiry dates of Maisha Cards are unrelated to election timelines. “The Maisha Card features a machine-readable microchip that contains relevant security features and personal details. Like other documents, such as ATM cards, the microchip has a shelf life of a maximum of 10 years from the date of issuance,” he explained.

PS Bitok emphasized that the renewal process for national ID cards every ten years is a standard practice in various countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France. He assured Kenyans that renewing expired Maisha Cards would not require fresh biometric data capture, although new passport-sized photos would be necessary due to changes in facial features over time.

“The National Registration Bureau appreciates the importance of the National ID Card as a constitutional right and an essential identification document and will strive to ensure eligible Kenyans obtain it as soon as possible,” Bitok added. He also mentioned that the government has acquired a modern printer capable of producing 30,000 cards daily, against an average demand of 10,000 applications.

In February, the High Court lifted orders that had halted the Interior Ministry from processing new digital ID card applications pending a petition by the Katiba Institute. The rights organization argued that the roll-out lacked legal basis, privacy impact assessment, and meaningful public participation. The case was moved from the Judicial Review Court to the Constitutional Division of the High Court.

The Maisha Namba, starting as a newborn's birth certificate number, will be used for various services, including educational institutions and the Social Health Insurance Fund. Upon reaching 18, it will facilitate access to government services from the Kenya Revenue Authority and the National Social Security Fund. The government aims to consolidate this information into a master database using fingerprint biometric technology.

The Maisha Card features a microprocessor electronic chip with encrypted data, including the holder's photo, identification number, biometric data, biographic data, and residential details. As of now, the Immigration Department has issued 972,630 Maisha Cards, with the project costing Ksh. 1 billion.

Despite the government's reassurances, the civil society remains wary of the potential implications of the Maisha Cards' expiration timeline, keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding this crucial identification overhaul.