Kenyan citizens seeking identity cards may face delays following a conservatory order issued by the Milimani High Court, which halts the implementation of the Maisha Namba rollout. The order, issued by High Court Judge L.N. Mugambi on Thursday, mandates the government to suspend the issuance of the Unique Personal Identifier (Maisha Namba) along with all related documents, including the 3rd Generation National Identification Card (Maisha Card), the Maisha Digital ID, and the Maisha Database.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this application, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying/halting the further and continued implementation of the Unique Personal Identifier (Maisha Namba), 3rd Generation National Identification Card (Maisha Card), Maisha Digital ID, and Maisha Database,” read part of the court statement.
The petition, filed by the advocacy group Haki na Sheria, argued that the rollout of the Maisha number was unconstitutional. Justice Mugambi indicated that if the rollout proceeded and the court later found constitutional violations, reversing the process could be challenging.
The court directed that the application be served to the respondents by the close of business on July 26, with the government’s response required within seven days from the date of application. Further directions on the matter are scheduled for September 17, 2024.
The petition followed a press statement by Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, who explained the government’s decision to introduce the digital identity cards, known as the Maisha Card. Bitok stated that the initiative aligned with standard practices for issuing digital identities, as seen in several other nations.
Recent Comments