Immigration and Citizen Affairs Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has disclosed that the government will not compel Kenyans to register for the third generation national identity cards (Maisha Cards).
In a statement on Thursday, August 29, Bitok noted that the second generation IDs will remain valid, maintaining that they will also be acceptable in the next general elections.
The PS, however, stated that Maisha cards offer significant user benefits, adding that Kenyans will appreciate the value of registering for them.
"It is not the government's intention to compel individuals to apply for the Maisha Card. We want it to be voluntary but it is advisable to consider obtaining it early,” Bitok remarked.
At the same time, he refuted allegations that the introduction of Maisha cards was a plan to rig the 2027 general elections after the PS earlier announced that the cards will have an expiry date.
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“This assertion is unfounded. The first Maisha card was printed in 2023. If you do the math, you’ll clearly see that the first card to expire will be in 2033 long after the next election," the PS stated.
Bitok further defended the 10-year expiry term for the Maisha card, stating that it aligned with international conventions and the realities of technological wear and tear.
"The expiration of your ID does not diminish your citizenship status; it simply indicates that your ID needs to be renewed," Bitok explained.
On Wednesday, the PS announced that thousands of Maisha cards were lying uncollected in various Huduma centres around the country and urged Kenyans to collect them.
