Kenyan National ID Cards to be Renewed Every 10 Years, Announces Principal Secretary Julius Bitok
In a recent announcement, Immigration and Citizenship Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok revealed that Kenyans will now need to renew their National ID cards every 10 years. The new policy, part of the Maisha Ecosystem initiative, aims to maintain the functionality and security of the ID cards.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Bitok explained that the decision to require a decadal renewal stems from the microchip technology embedded in the ID cards. “The microchip has a shelf life of a maximum of 10 years from the date of issuance,” Bitok stated. He clarified that the renewal schedule is independent of the general election cycle, contrary to some speculations.
The Maisha Ecosystem aims to align Kenya’s ID system with international standards observed in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and France, which also use microchip-embedded ID cards. Bitok emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to enhance the security and efficiency of national identification systems.
For those whose National ID cards have already expired, Bitok assured that the renewal process will not require a repeat of biometric data collection.
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