NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan government is gearing up to launch a nationwide public participation campaign next week to gather input on the regulations governing the issuance of Maisha Cards, as well as birth and death certificates.
This initiative, coordinated by regional and county commissioners, marks a significant step in ensuring that the public has a say in the development of these critical identification tools.
At the heart of this initiative is the government’s commitment to extensive and interactive public forums, aimed at enriching the draft regulations for the Maisha Card system.
Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who chaired a planning meeting at the Kenya School of Government, emphasized the importance of these forums.
“Public participation is not merely a procedural obligation but a fundamental aspect of our democratic system,” Bitok noted. “It presents a unique opportunity to dispel misconceptions about Maisha Namba and Maisha Card, ensuring that citizens grasp the benefits and scope of these initiatives.”
This upcoming round of public engagement builds on the government’s ongoing efforts to involve stakeholders in the process.
Over the past year, more than 800 public engagement exercises have been conducted, laying the groundwork for widespread understanding and acceptance of the Maisha Namba system.
A key element of these forums will be addressing public concerns and misconceptions surrounding the Maisha Card.
Bitok reassured citizens that the expiry of a Maisha Card will not equate to a loss of citizenship; rather, cardholders will simply need to renew the document.
Additionally, the government has set the cost of new Maisha Card applications at Ksh300, aiming to make the process accessible to all Kenyans.
The importance of public feedback cannot be overstated, as the government seeks to avoid the challenges that have plagued previous attempts to introduce new identification systems in Kenya.
The goal is to create a robust, citizen-focused framework that will serve the country effectively.
As the government prepares to roll out these public participation forums, it has already made significant progress, printing 1.6 million Maisha Cards to date.
These forums are not just about gathering feedback—they’re about ensuring that every Kenyan understands and embraces the Maisha Namba system, paving the way for a smoother, more efficient identification process.
