Questions over transparency and donor involvement have cast a shadow on Kenya’s highly anticipated digital ID rollout, Maisha Namba.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
A new research report has delivered a sharp critique of the initiative, calling out the lack of clarity around vendor contracts and the role of external donors. This emerging controversy adds to the growing scepticism around the government’s latest digital push.
The Maisha Namba envisioned as a single identifier for accessing government services, is designed to streamline bureaucratic processes by linking users’ personal data, including their national ID and phone number. While the government touts its benefits, critics are not convinced. The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI), in its latest 46-page report, argues that while the potential of digital public infrastructure (DPI) is significant, success hinges on accountability and transparency—two elements it says have been sorely lacking.
The findings indicate that Kenyans are wary. “It’s not that we oppose digital IDs, but this process feels rushed and unclear,” remarked a civil society representative. “There’s no transparency about who stands to gain from this—us or the vendors.” The report echoes these concerns, noting, “The terms of donor engagement and vendor contracts are unclear.”
The government, led by Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, has responded by affirming that registration for the Maisha Namba remains voluntary, dismissing speculation that citizens would be forced into the system. “We want it to be voluntary,” Bitok stressed, adding that the government’s intention is not to compel anyone to sign up but to encourage the transition through the card’s superior features.
Yet this reassurance seems insufficient to quell doubts. The CFI report points out that the lack of transparency stokes fears among citizens and businesses alike. Many Kenyans wonder whether the Maisha Namba project is genuinely aimed at improving service delivery or if it’s simply a government cash grab disguised as modernisation. The question remains: Is this just another procurement scheme that benefits a few at the top, while the majority of citizens are left grappling with an unclear system?
“We already have functional digital authentication systems,” stated a prominent business leader in Nairobi. “The Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS) has been working fine. Why the rush for another ID?” This sentiment is shared by many in the private sector, who believe that Kenya’s 91 per cent national ID coverage is more than adequate. They argue that the government is looking to profit from vendor contracts rather than deliver true value to its citizens.
The report also highlights concerns over the exclusionary risks of the new system. While the government is championing digital ID as a step forward, many citizens feel left behind. “Though called a ‘digital ID,’ the registration process is as analog as ever,” the report notes. “People are still dealing with paper forms and manual fingerprints.”
For civil society organisations, the risks extend beyond inefficiency. Privacy and data protection are serious worries, especially given Kenya’s mixed track record on safeguarding sensitive information.
Even more concerning is the role of donors in the initiative. While Kenya’s government has courted international backing for the digital ID project, the report questions whether these partnerships come with hidden strings attached. “The opacity around donor engagement raises questions,” it asserts, adding that the public has been left in the dark about the terms of these agreements.
Amidst the growing unease, a broader legal battle has also hindered the Maisha Namba rollout. An injunction temporarily halted the distribution of the digital IDs, though a court recently lifted the block, allowing the government to resume the process. Bitok urged Kenyans to collect nearly half a million unclaimed cards, yet doubts remain high.
With civil society, businesses, and citizens sceptical of the government’s intentions, the future of Maisha Namba remains uncertain. While the idea of a digital ID holds promise, the path forward must address Kenya’s unique socio-political context and restore public trust. Without clear answers, the government risks alienating the very people it aims to serve….CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARTICLE>>>
