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Huduma Centre explains the delay in issuance of National IDs

Huduma Centre Laikipia East Makutano, Photo: X/HudumaKenya

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, May 31, 2024

Huduma Centre has reassured Kenyans that the issue has been addressed, and measures are being taken to swiftly clear the backlog and expedite the issuance of pending IDs

Huduma Centre has blamed the court which halted the production of new IDs, as the root cause of the ongoing delays in issuing the IDs.

"We are experiencing delays due to the high court order that blocked the production of new digital ID cards/Maisha cards," Huduma Centre said on Thursday.

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Despite the setbacks, Huduma Centre has reassured Kenyans that the issue has been addressed, and measures are being taken to swiftly clear the backlog and expedite the issuance of pending IDs.

"The issue has been resolved, and we are working to reduce the backlog and have your ID ready soon," affirmed Huduma Centre.

On December 5, 2023, The High Court suspended new digital IDs and urged the government not to register persons or issue new generation IDs.

Justice John Chigiti issued the orders after certifying the matter as urgent.

However, in February 2024 the High Court lifted previous orders that had halted the Ministry of Interior and National Administration from processing new ID card applications.

As a result, the government announced plans to accelerate the issuance of new-generation National Identity Cards, commonly known as Maisha Cards.

Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the decision by the High Court brings relief to over 600,000 Kenyans whose ID card applications had been stalled due to the earlier court order.

He emphasised the department's commitment to promptly addressing the backlog of pending applications, assuring citizens that IDs would be produced on a first-in-first-out basis, starting immediately.

Last November, PS Bitok stated the government had put in place measures to ensure that data in Maisha Cards will be safe.

"Those spreading propaganda about the safety of the Maisha Card are wrong and just want to derail such a noble initiative. The card to be issued will not have any secret chips as claimed," he said then.