The High Court has barred the Interior Ministry from introducing new IDs, also known as Maisha Namba, until a case filed by Katiba Institute challenging the roll-out is determined.
The ruling comes as a major blow to the government, which had planned to start issuing the new IDs in January 2024. The Katiba Institute had argued that the new IDs were unconstitutional and that the government had not properly consulted with the public before introducing them.
The High Court agreed with the Katiba Institute, finding that the new IDs would infringe on Kenyans’ privacy rights. The court also found that the government had not adequately explained the purpose of the new IDs or how they would be used.
The ruling is a victory for human rights groups and activists who have been campaigning against the introduction of the new IDs. They argue that the IDs are unnecessary and that they will be used to track and surveil Kenyans.
The government has said that it will appeal the ruling. However, the ruling is a major setback for the government’s plans to introduce the new IDs.
It is unclear what the long-term implications of the ruling will be. However, it is likely to delay the introduction of the new IDs for several months, if not longer.
By Newshub