Kenya Collaborates with UNDP for Digital ID Support and Introduces “Maisha Namba”

Kenya has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide support for the country’s digital identity initiative, which has been given a new name, according to reports from Capital News.

The Kenyan government, elected last year, has renamed its Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), which was introduced as a replacement for the previously abandoned Huduma Namba, to “Maisha Namba.”

In Swahili, “Maisha” translates to “life” in English, while “huduma” in Huduma Namba means “services.”

The launch of Maisha Namba and its associated digital ID is scheduled for October 2.

An official from the immigration department informed Kenyans.co.ke that “Maisha Namba will replace the current birth entry number issued with birth certificates. It will serve as the reference number for future identity at all subsequent stages, such as school, national ID, and KRA pin.”

Under the new system, a “Maisha Card” will be issued, and a National Master Population Register will be established to consolidate government databases. This strategy was inspired by a visit to NADRA in Pakistan, as highlighted by Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of Immigration and Citizen Services.

Bitok stated in a tweet, “The digital identity system will provide Kenyans with a secure and reliable way to verify their identity for a variety of purposes, including accessing government services, opening bank accounts, and traveling. It will also help to reduce fraud and corruption, and improve efficiency.”

Bitok further explained that the digital ID will enable Kenyans to engage in online transactions with global service providers. Additionally, Maisha Namba will find application in the National Health Insurance Fund and Kenya Revenue Authority, as per Pulselive Kenya.

Anthony Ngororano, the UNDP Resident Representative, commended Kenya’s government for involving non-governmental organizations in the process. He also emphasized that UNDP intends to adopt a comprehensive societal approach to implement the national digital ID initiative.