National Registration Bureau doubts that IEBC can deliver digital ID

Registrars of Persons, who say they have been sidelined, have raised the red flag over the biometric technology to be used in the exercise as the Government seeks to flush out illegal immigrants, as Interior ministry takes priority in the wake of escalated terrorism threats. Senior officials at NRB in Nairobi warn that the technology in use is obsolete and prone to abuse by corrupt elements in Government. IEBC is reluctant to be drawn into the fray, saying it role is restricted to offering “technical advice only.” Through its Communications Officer Tabitha Mutemi, the elections agency clarified: “It is not true that we are going to issue ID cards. Our constitutional mandate is restricted to organising elections and registering voters, not citizens.  We are going to offer technical advice to the National Registration Bureau, nothing more.”  Ms Mutemi would not elaborate on the nature of technical advice. The exercise set to commence in June has come under increased public scrutiny to hasten issuance of the tamper-proof identity cards. The card contains a microchip that stores biodata of the holder that is difficult to interfere with. Besides the identity number, the data on the card will include fingerprints, photo, tax compliance identification (PIN) number and driving licence number, among other things. Contacted, Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka expressed surprise at the turn of events. While agreeing that ID card issuance falls under the ministry, Mr Njoka said the ministry had had not been furnished with details of how the exercise will be carried out.