Written By Lisa Murimi
On Monday, Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, announced the government’s decision to introduce digital identity cards, known as Maisha Cards.
Addressing concerns about the 10-year expiry date, Bitok explained that this renewal requirement aligns with international practices.
“Holders will need to renew their National ID cards every ten years. This is standard practice in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France, among others that have implemented an ID with a microchip,” Bitok stated.
Renewal applicants will not need to provide new biometrics but will retake passport-sized photos due to potential changes in facial features.
Responding to civil society concerns, Bitok highlighted that the Maisha ecosystem adheres to regional and international standards for personal registration documents.
The cards comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for cross-border identification, feature enhanced security to prevent forgery, and enable digital versions of the National ID Card.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets out standards and recommendations for travel documents, including national identification cards and passports. These requirements ensure that travel documents are secure, standardized, and internationally recognizable.
Additionally, the government aims to consolidate databases into a master national register, eliminating the need for multiple records.
Bitok also noted improvements in the National Registration Bureau’s (NRB) capacity, with a new printer boosting production to 30,000 ID cards per day, well above the average daily demand of 10,000 applications.
“The NRB appreciates the importance of the National ID Card as a constitutional right and will strive to ensure eligible Kenyans obtain it as soon as possible,” Bitok assured.
