What is Maisha Namba?
Maisha Namba is a unique personal identification number assigned to every Kenyan citizen upon registration, typically at birth. This number will serve as a lifelong personal identity number from birth to death.
Maisha Namba will function as the birth certificate number for newborns and as the registration number for government services, including enrolment in educational institutions (NEMIS) and health insurance (NHIF).
Upon reaching 18, it will also serve as the ID number. Additionally, it will act as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for KRA and NSSF, among others.
After death, the same number will be used on the death certificate.
Benefits of Maisha Namba
- Promotes faster registration of births and acquisition of birth notifications and certificates.
- Provides convenience through instant digital access to birth certificates.
- Offers a single numerical identifier usable throughout an individual’s lifetime for government services requiring identification.
- Ensures a secure, fast, and reliable identity authentication process.
- Enables the integration of personal identification information across government databases.
- Eliminates the need for multiple enrolments and registrations.
Will I need to register afresh as a Kenyan?
No, you will not need to register afresh. However, new features will add value to your current identity:
- A digital identity for online transactions.
- An electronic ID with a chip for data storage and authentication.
Will my current ID number become my Maisha Namba?
Yes, your current ID number will be retained and referred to as your Maisha Namba. It will appear on the face of your Maisha card.
Will the Maisha Namba include applicants’ biometrics?
No, the government will not require new registration but will use existing data from the national master population database.
Will Maisha Namba invalidate birth and death certificates?
No, current birth and death certificates will remain valid. If lost, a new digital application can be made, and an e-certificate will be issued if preferred.
What about under-18 Kenyans born before Maisha Namba?
Kenyans aged 0 to 17 will continue to use their birth certificates for identification.
The government will generate and assign them a Maisha Namba, which will be retrievable from the master database when they seek government services.
This number will then be used for all services and identification.
How can one correct mistakes on a digital certificate?
Mistakes in a digital birth certificate can be corrected by logging into the e-citizen account and applying for a new certificate with the correct details.
Difference between Huduma Namba and Maisha Namba
The rollout of the third-generation ID card will not require a new mass registration. Instead, it will enhance the current civil registration system to issue digital IDs.
- Mass Registration: No new mass registration will be initiated. Existing identification information will be used.
- Biometrics: Unlike the Huduma card, the third-generation ID will include facial recognition alongside fingerprint biometrics.
- Technology: The card will use advanced chip technology for data storage and security.
- Authentication: It will support both web-based and offline identity authentication and digital signatures.
- Data Sources: The Maisha Namba system will use data from the Integrated National Master Population Register, whereas Huduma Namba relied on NIIMS.
- Chip Technology: The card will feature a dual-interface chip compatible with various devices.
Will I be barred from services without Maisha Namba?
No, you will still be able to access all government services with your National ID card.
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