Principal Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok has announced that the Maisha Card registration will not become compulsory.
Instead, the government aims to boost voluntary adoption by highlighting the card’s advanced features.
Bitok detailed that the current effort involves gradually phasing out old ID cards and replacing them with the new Maisha Card, which is equipped with an electronic chip.
This chip is designed to hold biometric and biographical data to facilitate easier access to a range of public services.
The rollout of the Maisha Namba initiative faced a setback in December when the High Court ruled that it did not meet the requirements of Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
The court’s decision was based on the absence of a data protection impact assessment, which is necessary to ensure that the implementation of new technologies complies with privacy laws.
Despite these challenges, the Maisha Card is intended to enhance service delivery by providing a more secure and efficient means of identification.
The card’s embedded chip is expected to streamline interactions with various public services, potentially reducing bureaucratic delays and improving the accuracy of personal data handling.
However, the introduction of the Maisha Card has sparked some concerns among Kenyans, particularly regarding its inclusion of an expiry date.
Critics argue that this feature could lead to additional bureaucratic hurdles and could potentially inconvenience cardholders.
The government remains committed to addressing these concerns and promoting the Maisha Card as a modern solution for identification and access to public services.
Efforts will continue to ensure that the card meets legal standards and public expectations as it moves towards broader adoption.
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