Why Kenyans Will Wait Longer for New ID Cards

The Huduma Kenya agency has clarified that some Kenyans will have to wait longer to receive their national ID cards.

The agency attributes the delays to pending court cases which have created a significant backlog in the system. At the core of this issue is the controversy surrounding the maisha cards, a new generation of digital IDs intended to replace the current ones. These advanced cards are designed to enhance security, streamline services, and align with technological advancements. However, legal challenges have substantially delayed their rollout, leading to frustration among applicants.

Many Kenyans seeking to renew or replace their IDs have expressed dissatisfaction with the process. Despite paying the required Sh1,000 fee, some applicants have been waiting since January without receiving their documents. Visits to Huduma centres have often yielded no results but an inconvenience for citizens who rely on these IDs for various essential services. Huduma Kenya acknowledges the backlog and apologizes for the delay. The agency is urging affected individuals to submit their serial numbers for progress checks and assures citizens that efforts are underway to clear the backlog promptly.

The High Court had in February lifted orders that previously halted the maisha card rollout. Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok emphasized the government's commitment to expediting ID card processing, assuring eligible applicants that they can expect to receive their documents without further delay. The new maisha cards come with several notable features that set them apart from the current IDs. Unlike their predecessors, these cards will have a validity period of 10 years. Also, they are chip-enabled therefore aligning with modern technology to enhance security and functionality.

The maisha card is designed to serve as a lifelong personal identity number, issued upon registration, often at birth. Holders will be able to access government services through various agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Once fully implemented, maisha card promises improved efficiency and convenience for Kenyans navigating public services.