The government is next week set to begin public participation on regulations to govern issuance of Maisha Card as well as birth and death certificates.
Regional and country commissioners will coordinate public and stakeholder participation forums on the planned launch of the IDs.
Immigration PS Julius Bitok who chaired a meeting with regional and county commissioners to plan public participation for the regulations at the Kenya School of Government, said the government was aiming at extensive and interactive forums to enrich the draft regulations.
He assured the public that their feedback on the draft regulations will be taken seriously as the government hopes to avoid the pitfalls that have dogged previous attempts to introduce new ID cards in the country.
“Public participation is not merely a procedural obligation but a fundamental aspect of our democratic system. 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,” said Bitok.
He said the planned forums will be a continuation of similar ones held with other stakeholders and interest groups.
“Over the past year, we have conducted 800 public engagement exercises, and we will continue until every Kenyan comprehends and embraces the Maisha Namba system,” he said.
The PS, however, clarified that the expiry of a Maisha Card will not amount to a loss of citizenship, with the bearer only required to renew the document.
Bitok added that all new applications of maisha cards will cost Ksh300.
So far, the government has printed 1.6 million Maisha Cards.
