The state has postponed the official launch of the Maisha Namba and Digital ID ecosystem that was scheduled to take place on October 2, 2023.

In statement seen by TV47 Digital, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok says the event has been pushed forward due to “unavoidable circumstances”.

President William Ruto was supposed to preside over the launch at the Athletics Club in Nakuru County.

“A new date for the launch will be communicated in due course. Any inconvenience caused by the postponement is highly regretted,” PS Bitok says.

Meanwhile, PS Bitok says that public participation and stakeholders engagement forums on the rolling out of Maisha Namba and Digital IDs that are ongoing across the country will continue.

President Ruto’s directive

While launching the eCitizen platform on June 30th, 2023, the President directed the relevant government ministries to come up with a digital ID to comply with international standards on registration documents.

The digital ID is also intended to support the consumption of online services offered by the government and the private sector by making it easier to identify clients while minimizing identity fraud, forgeries and other misrepresentations.

Maisha Card vs. Huduma Namba

Unlike Huduma Namba that was beset by many legal and implementation challenges during previous administration, Maisha Card will not require fresh registration or harvesting of personal biometrics.

Instead, the card which is essentially an upgrade of the current 2nd generation card will be rolled out in phases with first-time ID applicants, those seeking duplicates and replacements for lost IDs among the pioneer beneficiaries.

The choice of ‘Maisha Namba’ is informed by the expectation that it will be the reference identifier for holders from birth to subsequent registration.

These include school enrolment and registration for government services such as Kenya Revenue Authority and NHIF. The number will transit to a death certificate number upon the death of the holder.