The Kenyan government has initiated a country-wide registration exercise for the issuance of the new Maisha Card, a third-generation national identity card, targeting all secondary school students aged 18 and above.
The mass registration began on Thursday with a focus on Form Four candidates currently sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. The exercise is being led by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Launch of the Exercise
Immigration Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok officially launched the initiative at Ngomeni Secondary School in Magarini, Kilifi County. Prof. Bitok announced that the government aims to register approximately 965,000 candidates this year, streamlining the process for students who are transitioning to tertiary institutions or applying for education funding.
“The president abolished the vetting process, and we are prioritizing school registration to ensure all eligible Kenyans turning 18 receive their Maisha Cards promptly,” Prof. Bitok stated. He urged teachers, education officials, and county commissioners to support the program, ensuring all eligible students are registered while still in school.
Introduction of Biometric Data Capture
The registration process now includes a virtual, live data capture system using biometrics. Prof. Bitok explained that this new method allows for the electronic transmission of applicants’ data directly to the National Registration Bureau, eliminating the need for physical forms. As a result, students can expect to receive their ID cards within seven to ten days.
“Today, we are launching live capture. Students will no longer need to send application forms to Nairobi. Their data will be transmitted electronically, enabling faster processing and delivery of ID cards,” Prof. Bitok said.
The government has expanded its infrastructure, deploying live capture machines in all Huduma Centres, County Registration Bureaus, and other designated registration points across the country. The new system aims to simplify the process and reduce waiting times.
Accountability and Security Measures
Prof. Bitok emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing the issuance of ID cards to non-Kenyans. Following the abolition of vetting on May 1, 2024, chiefs and assistant chiefs are now held accountable for any unauthorized registration of foreigners in their areas.
“Vetting is no longer required, but we are holding local administrators personally responsible. If a non-Kenyan is registered, the concerned chiefs and assistant chiefs will face consequences,” he warned.
He also encouraged Kenyans holding the older second-generation ID cards to upgrade to the new Maisha Card, which features enhanced security measures designed to make it tamper-proof.
Call for Collection of Uncollected Cards
The Principal Secretary noted that approximately 400,000 Maisha Cards remain uncollected at various registration centers across the country. He urged applicants to pick up their cards to avoid delays.
Stakeholder Support
Kilifi North MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Owen Yaa Baya praised the initiative, calling it a significant step forward in improving service delivery.
“This is a milestone for our country. For the first time, students will leave school with their ID cards, addressing long-standing concerns about delays in obtaining this crucial document,” said Baya.
The launch event was attended by key officials, including Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott and County Director of Education Veronica Kalungu, who reiterated their support for the mass registration campaign.
The government expects the exercise to be a game-changer in easing access to services for young Kenyans, as they transition into adulthood with a reliable, secure form of identification.
