‘Why Do New Digital ID Cards Have Expiry’ – Civil Societies To The Gov’t
A number of civil society organizations have expressed concerns about the government’s new digital identification cards, which are set to expire.
In a press conference on Sunday, the organisations expressed their concerns about the implications of implementing digital ID cards ahead of the next general election.
“What has been christened as Maisha number has an expiry date. IDs are critical in matters to do with voting. We want an explanation. It raises a lot of suspicion and one can see it is a scheme to rig elections in 2027,” the CSOs expressed during the press conference.
The groups claimed that the new IDs will expire in 2032, which coincides with the end of President William Ruto’s term if he is elected in 2027.
❗CIVIL SOCIETY Organisations Question Maisha Namba.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) July 21, 2024
Members of the Civil Society in Kenya have raised concern on the new National Identity cards that are being issued to Kenya.
The lobby groups, in a press address on Sunday dismissed the Maisha number issued to Kenyan adults… pic.twitter.com/VxOtHUNm7U
To determine whether the digital IDs have an expiry date, as claimed by civil society organizations, we contacted one young adult who has been issued with the identification document recently.
The young adult confirmed that the ID will expire in 2034, having obtained the document in May 2024.
He stated that the functional identification number displayed on the front of the document cannot be used for formal purposes such as completing bank transactions, as the traditional ID card has been used up until now.
Maisha Card holders must instead visit any Huduma Center or Nyayo House and present their cards before being assigned a functional identification number.
On February 23, the government announced the rollout of Maisha Cards to replace traditional IDs with no expiration date.
At the time, the State clarified that the Maisha Card, bearing Maisha Namba, would uniquely identify all Kenyans.
The card is intended to serve as a unique personal identification number and will be distributed to Kenyan citizens upon registration, which typically occurs at birth.
At the same press conference, civil society groups urged the government to put a stop to the targeted attacks on journalists that have occurred in recent days.
“As a show of good will, Ruto should ensure those who have been abducted are released, and those facing charges have those charges dropped.”
‘Why Do New Digital ID Cards Have Expiry’ – Civil Societies To The Gov’t
