By Valarie Waswa

Have you ever wondered who truly owns your data in the age of digital IDs? Or how safe your personal information is in the hands of the government?

Well, I had the chance to explore these questions at a vibrant TechMoran panel discussion during the #TechNight event where I represented KICTANet. The session, which brought together a diverse group of young minds—mostly students and tech enthusiasts—was an exciting dive into the world of digital identity, data security, and the shifting landscape of government services in Kenya.

As digital platforms like eCitizen and Maisha Namba increasingly become part of our daily lives, it’s essential to understand not just how they work, but also their legal, security, and inclusivity implications. So, let’s break it down!

From Huduma Namba to Maisha Namba: What’s the Big Deal?

If you’ve heard of Huduma Namba but are now hearing about Maisha Namba, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Maisha Namba is the new national digital ID system that’s set to replace the controversial Huduma Namba, which had its fair share of privacy and security issues.

The idea? To create a single, seamless way for Kenyans to access government services, all while simplifying the process of identification. Sounds great, right? But like most big tech changes, it’s not without its challenges.

Legal Ownership and Privacy

The question everyone’s asking: Who owns the data? Technically, the government is the data controller, but you, the citizen, own your personal information.

This means that under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to access, correct, and even delete your data. But let’s be real, if the system isn’t transparent and secure, it can be a bit of a gray area.

One of the key concerns raised during the discussion was the possibility of function creep, where your data could be used for purposes beyond what was originally intended—like, say, for surveillance or profiling. Yikes!

Security Concerns: Is Your Data Safe?

With great data comes great responsibility… or in this case, great risks. Maisha Namba ties together a bunch of government services—eCitizen, tax services, healthcare, you name it. That means there’s a lot of sensitive personal information floating around in these systems. The real question is: How safe is your data?

If we’re honest, Kenya’s track record with cybersecurity could use some polishing. eCitizen had its data breach not too long ago, and as you can imagine, that raised some eyebrows.

The digital ID systems need to be rock-solid when it comes to encryption, access control, and fraud prevention. Think multi-factor authentication, encrypted data storage, and tight security audits. Without these, we’re just one hack away from a major disaster.

Maisha Namba Project: A Balancing Act Between Modernization and Public Trust

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Can Everyone Get Onboard?

Let’s talk about the big elephant in the room—inclusivity. While digital IDs like Maisha Namba are intended to make life easier, there’s a real risk of marginalized groups being left behind. Nubians, pastoralists, and rural Kenyans still face significant hurdles when it comes to accessing government services, and these digital systems could exclude them if they’re not designed with everyone in mind.

This is where public participation becomes key. We need to ensure that systems like Maisha Namba are accessible to all, with easy registration processes and offline options for those in remote areas. Otherwise, we’re just building a system for the “digitally rich” and leaving the rest behind.

KICTANet’s Role in Protecting Digital Rights

As someone representing KICTANet, it was clear to me how vital our role is in shaping policy around these technologies. KICTANet has been an advocate for data protection, privacy, and digital rights in Kenya. We’ve been calling for better Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before the full rollout of Maisha Namba. This would help ensure that systems are secure, inclusive, and compliant with the law.

We’re also pushing for transparency from the government on how our data is being used, stored, and shared. We need to make sure that everyone, especially the marginalized, can access the benefits of a digital society.

The Bigger Picture: A Digital Future for All

As Kenya’s digital identity systems evolve, we face a critical crossroads. How do we balance the promise of efficiency and convenience with the need for security, privacy, and inclusivity? The reality is, we can’t afford to leave anyone behind.

KICTANet’s message remains clear: digital systems should serve people, not the other way around. We need a digital future where everyone—from the tech-savvy students to the rural farmers—can benefit. After all, digital inclusion is social inclusion.

Conclusion

TechMoran’s panel was a fantastic opportunity to hear from bright young people who are passionate about Kenya’s tech future. The conversation was rich, engaging, and full of fresh perspectives on how we can make Kenya’s digital journey safer, fairer, and more accessible for all.

KICTANet remains committed to ensuring that as Kenya shapes its digital identity systems, the future is not only digital but also secure, inclusive, and transparent. As we continue on this journey, it’s up to all of us, with KICTANet at the forefront, to advocate for policies that put people first.

Valarie Waswa is a Legal Fellow and Digital Rights Advocate at KICTANet