Huduma Kenya has provided insight into the factors contributing to the extended processing times for issuing national identification cards to Kenyan citizens.
Speaking on Thursday, 29 May 2024, the agency stated there were delays caused by a court order that stopped the production of new IDs.
“The delays we are experiencing stem from a high court order that has stopped the production of new digital ID cards/Maisha cards,” Huduma said.
Huduma Kenya reassured Kenyans that the issue concerning the new digital IDs has been resolved and they will soon receive their documents.
“We’ve resolved the issue and are diligently working to clear the backlog. Your ID will be ready soon,” Huduma Kenya assured.
In December 2023, the High Court froze issuing ID cards, also known as Maisha Number, following an application filed by Katiba Institute.
In February 2024, the High Court lifted the injunction, allowing the government to resume issuing new digital identity cards.
As of April 23, Huduma Kenya reported that there are more than 138,000 uncollected Identity cards and over 54,000 uncollected birth certificates across various Huduma Centers.
Additionally, more than 45,000 smart driving licences issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority remain uncollected.
Huduma encouraged the public to promptly collect these essential documents.
“Visit Huduma Centers to collect your documents. Over 138K IDs, 54K birth certificates, and 45K Smart DLs await collection,” the Centre announced on X.
