Kenya: 10 Most Asked Questions on Maisha Namba
Published: 17/Sep/2023
Source: Kenyans.co.ke
by Mark Obar
President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration is currently conducting the registration of Maisha Namba, a personal unique identifier.
This, according to Ruto, is meant for his government to enhance service delivery to citizens by embracing Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Speaking in Nakuru on Saturday, September 16, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok noted that the current registration and identity ecosystem is around 30 years old and has been rendered obsolete by newer technologies.
He explained the decision to upgrade the Kenyan ID system to enable it conform with global requirements and align it to a digital economy is long overdue.
« Kenya’s National Registration and Identity system currently trails behind other countries in the region, exposing it to non-compliance sanctions by international standards’ enforcement agencies.
« Digitisation of registration services will also address challenges related to identifying and authenticating Kenyan citizens. It will also promote the security of primary registration documents (birth certificates and national identity cards), » Bitok noted.
Bitok stated that a reliable and centralised identification system will also support better management of social programs, delivery of essential services and transparency and accountability in government operations.
Digital registration will further promote a reliable identification and authentication system for all citizens and potentially reduce fraud linked to identity theft. Difficult-to-forge identity will also help enhance the overall safety and security of the country.
The government has developed a number of digitised registration systems, including Maisha Namba, Maisha Card, Digital ID and National Population Master Register.
Read further: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/93031-10-most-asked-questions-maisha-namba