The government is focused on increasing the total number of users on its digital platform, eCitizen, in a major quest to push daily revenue collection from the platform to at least Sh1 billion by December 2024.
Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary, Julius Bitok, said during the Annual Network of Africa Data Protection Associations (NADPA) conference held in Nairobi, that government will make it happen by ensuring all eligible Kenyans obtain an ID which is required to register an eCitizen account.
“The government targets to increase from the current Sh700 million daily revenue and 13 million users on the platform to at least Sh1 billion and 30 million users,” Bitok said.
To achieve this, it will “aggressively create awareness” on the ease of use and convenience of the digital platform, such as the ability to access the over 15,000 government services offered, regardless of the time of day or one’s location.
“On average, we are enrolling about 20,000-30,000 people every day. We are at 13 million and we’re looking at the entire population of Kenya which is 32 million adults. We are halfway and within one to two years, we should have everyone with a digital ID,” Bitok said.
Since its launch in 2014, the eCitizen platform has been a game-changer for Kenyans due to its seamlessly and convenience – the government aims to use the platform to attract more users through the continuous improvement and innovations that enhance user experience.
The PS noted that government has eliminated vetting committees for issuance of IDs within border communities starting this month (May) so that every all Kenyans can access a digital National ID and the attendant benefits.
“We have removed vetting for identity documents which is an effort to ensure no Kenyan is left out or discriminated as far as getting the documents is concerned,” he said
Additionally, the government is introducing Maisha Card, a new digital Identity card that is expected to provide a “more secure registration” regime, mitigating the risks of forgery and identity theft. At the heart of this innovation is the “Unique Personal Identifier” also known as the Maisha Namba, that will protect the large volumes of personal data that different government institutions will collect from time to time.
The Maisha Namba will be assigned to newborns and will remain with them throughout their lives, seamlessly integrating with various government systems, from primary and secondary education to university, NSSF, NHIF, and even appearing on death certificates.
