The government has given a way forward for the over 600, 000 pending applications for new and duplicate National Identification Cards (IDs) following a Court ruling.
State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services Permanent Secretary Julius Bitok on February 23, 2024, ordered the immediate resumption of the Issuance of Maisha Cards.
This came following a High Court ruling by Justice John Chigiti which lifted the order barring the government from rolling out Maisha Namba.
“The High Court decision is a welcome reprieve to the over 600,000 Kenyans whose applications for new and duplicate ID cards could not be processed to fruition in adherence to the Court order,” read part of the statement.
Bitok stated that the High Court decision is a welcome reprieve to the over 600,000 Kenyans whose applications could not be processed to fruition in adherence to the Court order.
According to Bitok, all persons with pending applications have been assured that the department will expeditiously produce IDs on a first-in-first-out basis beginning immediately.
Acknowledging the delay caused by the initial ban, Bitok appreciated the support and patience that Kenyans have exhibited for the duration of the Order.
Maisha Number IDs
The High Court ruling by Justice John Chigiti which lifted the order noted that the case will be heard by the Constitutional Court.
Justice Chigiti had halted the rollout of the Maisha number in December 2023 barely a month after the government kicked off the pilot phase of the identification program.
“Upon perusing the Application alongside the annexures therein, I find that the Application is not frivolous nor vexatious.
It raises an arguable case that should be heard and determined on merit within the Fair Administrative Action Act framework,” the judgement read in part.
Also Read: Court Throws Digital ID, Maisha Number in Limbo After Ruling
The judgement came after Katiba Institute filed a petition challenging the Unique Personal Identifier program.
Katiba Institute argued that the state had no legal basis for implementing the Maisha Namba.
In addition, Katiba Institute noted that the government proceeded without requiring a state protection impact assessment, in violation of Section 31 of the Data Protection Act and the court ruling.
Govts kicks off pilot
The Government had kicked off the pilot phase of Maisha Namba and digital ID ecosystem roll out in the country ahead in November 2023.
PS Bitok announced that the pilot phase would target first time ID applicants who were turning 18 years, further stating that first time applicants would be issued with the new Maisha Cards as the government moves away from the second-generation IDS.
Also Read: Govt Gives Way Forward on Passport and IDs Delays
The digitized identification which is set to replace national IDs will virtually incorporate all personal detailed identifier data including Birth Certificate, death certificate, Maisha card as well as driver’s license among others.
PS Bitok said that the government will commit to continue implementing reforms to the Kenya National Identity ecosystem in a manner that respects the Constitution.
“We pledge to sustain our engagements with all stakeholders for meaningful input in the implementation of the Kenya National Digital Identity ecosystem,” he added.
