Kenyan court suspends issuance of new digital IDs
Kenya
,
05 Dec 2023
The Kenyan High Court has ordered the suspension of new digital identity card registration and issuance.
The suspension followed an application filed by Katiba Institute, which sought to prevent the government from carrying out or continuing with the issuance of the Maisha Namba IDs.
Before proceeding with the exercise, the institute requested that the government complete a data protection impact assessment in accordance with Section 31 of the Data Protection Act.
Katiba Institute has expressed worries about insufficient public participation and a lack of a strong legal framework in adopting the new digital IDs.
"The leave shall operate as a stay, restraining implementation or further implementation by any person of the Respondent's November 1, 2023 decision to roll out or pilot the Maisha Namba, including the digital card, digital ID, unique personal identifier, and a National Master Population Register, before and without a data protection impact assessment per Section 31 of the Data Protection Act," the court said.
In November, the Kenyan government launched a trial programme for the new digital IDs. First-time ID applicants will now be issued the "new Maisha Card," according to a release.
Applicants who need to replace defaced or lost cards were also to receive the new card.
"All Kenyans turning 18 in any part of Kenya will be issued a Maisha Card on a trial basis." This way, we'll know if there are any flaws or concerns before the final launch." When announcing the pilot, Prof Julius Bitok, Permanent Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, noted.
Maisha Card will include a unique personal identity (UPI) number known as Maisha Namba that will act as the primary and permanent registration and identifying reference for its bearers.
President William Ruto has previously stated that the piloting of digital IDs is intended to promote the country's digital goals, including the consumption of government services.