Kenyan President announces digital ID system using Iris and Fingerprints

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a new digital ID system called Maisha Namba, which will launch in December 2023. This system is designed to change the way the citizens prove their identity. Instead of using physical IDs like cards or papers, it will use things like our eye patterns (iris scans) and our fingerprints for identification.

During the launch of locally made smartphones, President Ruto revealed that the upcoming digital ID system will do away with the need for physical identity documents. He emphasized that every Kenyan won’t have to carry any paper, plastic, or anything else as their ID. This change is all about making the system more efficient and convenient for everyone.

The Maisha Namba system was initially set to be launched on October 1, with President Ruto set to grace the event in Nakuru County. However, the government abruptly canceled the launch on the same day it was announced, providing no specific reasons for the indefinite postponement.

President Ruto promised that the new digital ID system would be ready by the end of December, but he didn’t give a specific date. However, this project has faced many problems before, like legal issues and court orders that delayed it. We’ll have to wait and see if December will finally bring the fulfillment of this long-awaited promise.

Maisha Namba is not just a digital ID; it represents a lifelong unique identification number issued at birth and a Maisha Card that will replace the current second-generation national ID cards. For existing ID holders, their identification numbers will be seamlessly translated into Maisha Namba, ensuring a smooth transition to the advanced Maisha Card, which supports a virtual ID feature.

The Maisha Card will enable cardholders to log their personal details comprehensively and access online government services swiftly. These changes will pave the way for electronic cards and registers while officially recognising the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI).

These developments come after recent changes were introduced by the Interior Cabinet Secretary, marking a crucial milestone in the development of the Maisha Namba system. The move is expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and security in the registration and identification of individuals.

This announcement follows a month after ten local human rights groups raised concerns about the rollout of Maisha Namba and the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), leading to a temporary halt of the project. The groups claimed that essential steps for improving the identification system had been bypassed.

Kenya entered into an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in August 2023 to help build the country’s Digital Identity System, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to modernizing its identification infrastructure and improving citizen services. The success of Maisha Namba will depend on addressing challenges while maintaining public trust and data privacy.