IMMIGRATION PS, JULIUS BITOK | PHOTO: COURTESY
The Kenyan government has allocated KES 1 billion for the implementation of Unique Personal Identifiers (UPIs) for all citizens. According to Julius Bitok, the Immigration Principal Secretary, UPIs will be issued to every Kenyan at birth and will serve as the official identifier at all stages of education, for tax payments through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and as the death certificate number upon an individual’s demise.
Bitok stated that this initiative is in response to the president’s directive to introduce a digital ID within 90 days. The Maisha Number, a new identification number, will be assigned to every person born in Kenya, effectively replacing the traditional birth certificate number and serving as the primary identification for employment and KRA PIN purposes.
Upon reaching the age of 18, Kenyans will receive a Maisha Card, marking a transition from the current second-generation IDs to a digitally accessible third-generation system. The digital ID aims to facilitate online service consumption from both the government and private sectors by simplifying client identification and reducing identity fraud, forgeries, and misrepresentations.
Unlike the previous Huduma Namba initiative, Maisha Card will not require fresh registration or the collection of personal biometrics. Instead, it will be rolled out in phases, starting with first-time ID applicants, those in need of duplicates, and replacements for lost IDs. The Master Population Register will integrate existing databases for all Kenyan citizens, residents, and refugees, ensuring accuracy in identity management systems.
Key features of the Maisha Card include an MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for decoding encrypted personal details. Additionally, a unique identification number known as Maisha Namba will be issued to newborns as their birth certificate number, along with a digital signature to enable identification through mobile phones and other smart devices. A master national population register will also be established.
The UPI initiative is scheduled for launch by President William Ruto on September 29, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital identity management in Kenya.