Maisha Namba Kenya digital ID Initiative pros and cons

Maisha Namba, Kenya's digital identification initiative, is a project by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its primary goal is to enhance identification processes and improve citizens' access to essential services. With a digital ID that remains throughout the life cycle of the bearer, a lot can happen in between.  

We will look at the merits, demerits, and application.

Merits

1. Improved Access to Services:

• Maisha Namba assigns a unique identification number to every citizen, linked to a digital card.
• Newborns benefit from this system by having their IDs connected to health records and vaccination histories, streamlining access to healthcare services.

2. Efficient Record-Keeping:

• The initiative aims to enhance government record-keeping.
• Improved record-keeping facilitates policy planning and resource allocation, potentially leading to better social programs.

3. Technological Advancement:

• Maisha Namba leverages biometric data (such as fingerprints and iris scans).
• This modernizes identification processes, reducing reliance on physical documents and enhancing security.

Demerits

1. Privacy Concerns:

• Maisha Namba will definitely infringe on personal privacy, as government officials can use it for monitoring and tracking individuals.

2. Public Skepticism:

• Many citizens express distrust in the government's ability to effectively implement Maisha Namba.
• Concerns are particularly pronounced in areas with poor infrastructure, where doubts persist about equitable access.

3. Surveillance Risks:

• The integration of biometric data raises surveillance and control concerns.
• Citizens worry about potential privacy violations and increased state monitoring.

Applications:

The Maisha Namba is applied at birth to newly born children. A chip is injected into the body of the newly born that lasts through their lifetime.  

At 18, the chip is used as an ID to access government services. The individual cannot remove the chip or deactivate it, as it becomes part of their system.

In summary, while Maisha Namba holds promise for modernizing identification in Kenya, addressing ethical and practical challenges is crucial for its successful implementation.