Kenya signs MoU with UNDP on digital ID development (Maisha Namba) ahead of rollout
3 min read
Kenya has signed a cooperation framework with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the development of Digital ID infrastructure (Maisha Namba)
Kenya has signed a cooperation framework with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the development of Digital ID infrastructure (Maisha Namba).
The Kenyan government has unveiled a new name for the upcoming rollout of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) scheduled for October 2, 2023.
While signing a memorandum of understanding between the Kenyan government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Immigration PS Julius Bitok noted that the UPI will henceforth be referred to as Maisha Namba.
The partnership covering resource mobilization, technical advisory, and project monitoring was announced on Monday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Nairobi.
He noted that the deal will support the development and rollout of Digital Identity in Kenya and will be anchored on resource mobilization, technical advisory, and project monitoring.
The Maisha Namba, he stated, will be integral to the Kenyan Digital ID.
A source from the Immigration Department said that Maisha Namba Is different from the Digital ID.
“They’re different. Maisha Namba will be a number that will replace the current birth entry number which is currently issued with birth certificates. Maisha Namba will be the reference number for a future identity for all subsequent stages: school, national ID, KRA pin,” the source explained.
The Digital ID, on the other hand, will be a virtual ID. The physical ID will be encrypted and will have biometric features that will be readable on a scanner. Meaning you don’t need a document to identify you.
The project, which is similar in some aspects to Huduma Namba which experienced an underwhelming rollout under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, seeks to connect various individual databases to facilitate effortless access to a comprehensive array of government services.
US will not influence Ruto to handshake with Raila after Coons visit, Kenya Kwanza
Kanya ranked among dangerous countries in world; Global Peace Index
Niger coup leaders to prosecute deposed President Bazoum for ‘high treason’
Babu Owino opposes Raila’s new tactic in future demonstrations
ECOWAS warns Russia over its meddling in peace stability in West Africa after Niger coup
While unveiling the government’s plans to introduce the digital ID, ICT CS Eliud Owalo remarked that there’s no need for Kenyan citizens to bear a physical identification card whenever they seek government services.
“The rationale for conceptualizing the digital ID is informed by the fact that Kenyans do not need to physically flash an ID card in order to access government services,” he stated soon after he took over the Ministry.
“Kenyans should be able to conduct business from wherever they are once we have integrated government services onto technological platforms.”
Civil society groups under the Operation Linda Ugatuzi umbrella, however, opposed the intended roll out noting that it will cost Kenyans their jobs and waste more taxpayers’ money.
“Why is this government hell-bent on wasting money on the project during these tough economic times yet it is similar to the Huduma Namba?” Fred Ogola, an activist questioned in June.
“What will happen to the over 1,000 employed by Huduma Numba now that the government wants to tender what could have been done by Kenyans to Pakistan? Why are we risking our data?”
The rollout of Huduma Namba cost the State Ksh10 billion.
Also read,
EACC unearths how the National Museum of Kenya Paid 105 ghost workers whopping KSh 500m
Hard times ahead as Ruto’s CS hints at an imminent tax increase
Museveni meets Ruto just days after hosting Uhuru Kenyatta
Ruto administration’s proposal to ban alcoholic teachers from employment
Uhuru technical advisor reveals Azimio flaws that led to the loss of 2022 polls
Follow us
