Kenyans will soon be able to access their national identity cards through their phones under a new government plan, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking during a women empowerment event in Uasin Gishu on Saturday, June 27, Murkomen said the government will soon roll out a digital Maisha Card that will allow Kenyans to have their ID on their phones, ending the traditional requirement of a physical ID.

According to the CS, the move forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at digitising government services and making it easier for citizens to access identification documents.

"Very soon we are going to announce to you maisha card which will be digital. You will have your id on your phone," Murkomen stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

He explained that the new system will ensure that even if a person loses their physical identity card, they will still be able to verify their identity using the digital version stored on their phone.

"Even if it is lost, you just get the one on your phone and show it. There is a barcode that will be scanned and show who you are and what you do. That is the next step," he added.

The programme, which will be launched very soon, according to Murkomen, will simplify identity verification for Kenyans seeking government services while reducing dependence on physical identification documents.

Murkomen, however, did not provide a specific timeline for the rollout of the digital ID system or the registration process that Kenyans will be required to follow to access the smart ID, stating that the programme will be launched soon.

The move comes days after the ministry announced that Kenyans can now download and print their birth certificates online as a major form of digitisation of government documents.

Under the new system, applicants can now apply for birth certificates online, wait for approval digitally, and print the documents from the comfort of their homes, offices, or nearby cyber cafés.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke