Government Launches Maisha Card Distribution for KCSE Candidates.
The Kenyan government, led by the Ministries of Interior and Education, has officially commenced the distribution of Maisha Card IDs to students sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
This initiative, launched by Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok at Ngomeni Secondary School in Kilifi County, targets over 900,000 Form Four students nationwide.
The primary goal of the Maisha Card program is to reduce the hurdles students often face when transitioning from secondary education to tertiary institutions.
Bitok stated that by issuing IDs before students leave high school, the government aims to prevent challenges during admissions, where an ID is essential for enrollment and related processes.
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The lack of IDs has previously caused delays and frustrations for students joining universities and colleges.
Streamlined ID Issuance Using School Records
This program leverages existing school records to ensure that only eligible citizens are issued Kenyan IDs. Applicants are also set to benefit from a quick turnaround time, as the process now includes live biometric data capture.
This streamlined approach allows IDs to be delivered within seven days, minimizing delays. Bitok acknowledged the critical role of school heads, who possess the necessary student information, in making the biometric data capture process smooth and efficient.
“We’re working closely with school heads, who already have the necessary student data. This allows us to make the live capture process seamless and efficient, ensuring that IDs are issued without delay and with maximum accuracy,” said the PS.
The launch of the Maisha Card initiative follows persistent concerns over students’ struggles with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) due to the lack of IDs.
Last month, in response to these issues, Members of Parliament in the National Assembly’s Education Committee summoned PS Bitok to discuss a permanent solution.
Subsequently, Bitok appealed to Kenyans to collect over 400,000 unclaimed IDs currently held at Huduma Centers and the National Registration Bureau.
New Civil Registration Office in Magarini
Additionally, Bitok presided over the opening of a new office dedicated to births and deaths certificate issuance in Magarini constituency.
Located in Kongoni, this office aims to alleviate pressure on the Civil Registration Services office in Malindi town, thereby easing access for residents seeking vital documents.
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Through these initiatives, the government demonstrates its commitment to streamlining identification services for students and the wider public, ultimately aiming to make essential documentation more accessible to all Kenyans.
Government Launches Maisha Card Distribution for KCSE Candidates.
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