EXCLUSIVE: New features of Kenya's 3rd generation ID dubbed Maisha Card

This will be a significant technological upgrade in the registration and identification of citizens.

Immigration and Citizen Services PS, Julius Bitok, said that the State Department would not use any extra money to roll out the program which has four main components; UPI (Maisha Namba), 3rd generation ID (Maisha card), a virtual card and a master population register.

The unique personal identifier number will be given to newborns and used to identify them from birth to death; (Birth certificate, Nemis number, ID number, KRA PIN, NSSF number, NHIF number, as well as death certificate number).

Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok Pulse Live Kenya

For adults, their current ID numbers will be used as their UPI (Maisha Namba) and will save millions from having to register again.

Pulse News Desk has obtained exclusive details on the features of the new digital ID which will store every person’s biometric data in a chip.

Extra security

The Maisha Card (3rd generation ID) will have extra security features that will only be visible under UV light on both the front and back sides.

After its launch, the government will stop the issuance of the 2nd generation ID and everyone who applies for a new ID or replacement will be given the new Maisha Card.

READ: Kenya may be experiencing a surge in false identification

Polycarbonate material replaces Teslin

While the old ID was made of Teslin material, the new card will be made of polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate stands out as the ultimate choice for security due to various factors. Its tamper-proof nature ensures the card's layers remain inseparable once formed.

In contrast to Teslin, an attempt to peel off the top layer to alter information beneath it would only result in the card breaking.

A sample of the 3rd generation digital Kenyan ID A sample of the 3rd generation digital Kenyan ID Pulse Live Kenya

Virtual format with QR code

The Maisha Card will be available in a digital format for Kenyans with smartphones, which they will be able to activate by themselves on the eCitizen platform.

With the virtual card, Kenyans will not have to use physical ID cards for purposes of identification at security points such as airports and entry to buildings.

READ: Huduma Namba vs Maisha Namba, here are the 5 major differences

The virtual card will have a QR code that will be used to authenticate a person’s identity. The virtual card will also enable Kenyans to perform transactions on the eCitizen platform by using a digital signature that will be secure.

Ease of registration

Unlike Huduma Namba, Kenyans will not be forced to enrol afresh. Instead, they will be onboarded on a need basis.

According to the State Department of Citizen Service, the government issues 1.5 million new IDs and 3 million ID replacements annually.

President William Ruto, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki & Immigration & Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok during the launch of 5,000 digitised government services at KICC on June 30, 2023 President William Ruto, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki & Immigration & Citizen Services PS Juilus Bitok during the launch of 5,000 digitized government services at KICC on June 30, 2023 Pulse Live Kenya

Master population database

The fourth element of the new system is the development of a master population database that will consolidate information from various government agencies.

The National Population Master Register will be a centralised electronic population database.

It will also come as a relief to Kenyans that they would not need to go through a fresh exercise to have their details collected but existing databases will be cleaned and fed to the master register.