Why Maisha Namba? Challenges and Recommendations for Kenya’s Digital Identity Implementation

Introduction: Greetings to all concerned citizens and advocates for justice, We stand at a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history, one that carries the potential for transformation and progress. The impending rollout of the “Maisha Namba” digital identity system represents a significant step towards modernization. However, it also raises critical concerns regarding public participation, discrimination, and…

The Growing Influence of Tech Companies in Critical Public Services

  The involvement of technology companies in the delivery of essential public services has significant implications for privacy, equality, and democratic decision-making. Nubian Rights Forum recently participated in the Contesting the Foundations of Digital Public Infrastructure meeting, and heard from activists and experts from various countries who discussed the challenges posed by the increasing role…

Nubian Rights Forum Celebrates Local Midwives’ Crucial Role in Bridging the Gap in Birth Registration and Citizenship Documentation

On this International Nurse Day, the Nubian Rights Forum would like to pay tribute to the local Nubian midwives who have played an instrumental role in the birth registration of Nubian children, who are at risk of statelessness due to the lack of citizenship documentation. We want to acknowledge their tireless efforts in ensuring that…

HUDUMA NAMBA CASE

  In January 2019, the Kenyan government announced the launch of a national identity card system—the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS), popularly known as “Huduma Namba”—requiring the personal and biometric information of all ID-holders to be entered into a centralized national database. Its implementation, in its current form, would result in the exclusion of…

RISKS OF KENYA’S DIGITAL ID SYSTEM FOR MINORITY COMMUNITIES: EXCLUSION, DATA MISUSE, AND DISCRIMINATION

Digital identification systems have become increasingly popular in many countries, including Kenya. While these systems can offer a range of benefits, they also come with potential risks, particularly for marginalized communities such as the Nubian ethnic minority and the Somalis on double registration. In this article, we will explore the risks associated with digital ID…

Art as Activism: How Music and Film are Shining a Light on Nubian Challenges to Citizenship Documentation Access

The Nubian community faces several challenges when it comes to accessing citizenship documentation, which limits their opportunities in various aspects of life. This issue has been highlighted in various forms of art, including music and film, showcasing how these creative expressions can bring attention to social issues and promote change. The recent Kenyan TV series…

Ten Years of the Nubian Rights Forum Paralegal Project in Kibra: Celebrating Community Empowerment

  The Nubian Rights Forum Paralegal Project in Kibra, which recently marked its tenth anniversary, has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Nubian community in the area. This community-driven initiative has played a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by the Nubian community, especially when it comes to accessing legal documentation.…