‘Maisha Card Microchip Reason For ID Expiry’ – Immigration and Citizen Services PS
Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, issued a statement on Monday explaining the government’s decision to issue digital identity cards known as Maisha cards.
One of the main concerns raised about the Maisha Card is the 10-year expiry date of the National ID cards.
However, the government has stated that the renewal is standard practice for IDs with digital chips in several countries.
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“Holders will need to renew their National ID cards every ten years. This is a standard practice in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France, among others that have implemented an ID with a microchip,” stated Bitok.
Applicants seeking to renew their expired National ID cards will not be required to provide new biometrics.
However, they will retake their passport-sized photos due to possible changes in facial features over time.
Furthermore, in response to concerns raised by civil society, Bitok stated that the government developed them for a variety of reasons, including compliance with best practices.
According to Bitok, the Maisha ecosystem follows regional and international best practices for standardizing essential features of personal registration documents such as the National ID Card.
Second, the government implemented the cards in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for cross-border identification documents.
Furthermore, the government stated that the Maisha cards have enhanced security features, making them difficult to forge and tamper with.
Furthermore, Maisha cards include digital features that allow for the creation of a digital version of the National ID Card.
The government also explained that the development of Maisha Cards includes database consolidation, which allows the government to create a master national register, eliminating the need for multiple and separate personal registration records.
While clarifying the current state of printing of national IDS, the PS stated that the National Registration Bureau had purchased a modern printer to increase printing capacity.
“The NRB appreciates the importance of the National ID Card as a constitutional right and an essential identification document and will strive to ensure eligible Kenyans obtain it as soon as possible.”
“To meet the rising demand for services, NRB has acquired a modern printer and enhanced the printing capacity to 30,000 National ID Cards per day against an average demand of 10,000 applications,” read the statement in part.
‘Maisha Card Microchip Reason For ID Expiry’ – Immigration and Citizen Services PS
