Did Ruto Trick Kenyans into Accepting Digital IDs?

The Maisha Namba initiative was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to modernize Kenya’s identification system. The goal was to streamline identity verification, improve access to government services, and enhance security through a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned at birth. The system aimed to integrate biometric and biographical data, offering a more secure and efficient way to manage national identity records. However, the transition to digital IDs was not well received.

Kenyans expressed concerns over data privacy, potential exclusion of marginalized communities, and fears of government surveillance. Civil society organizations challenged the initiative in court, arguing that the government had not adequately addressed data protection concerns. The High Court intervened, suspending the implementation of the digital ID system following a petition that questioned its constitutionality. Opposition politicians capitalized on the controversy, framing the government’s push for digital IDs as an authoritarian move lacking proper public consultation.

In an unexpected twist, the government then introduced fees for national ID services, a move that raised eyebrows. First-time applicants were required to pay KSh300, while the cost of replacing a lost or damaged ID soared from KSh100 to KSh1,000. Public outcry followed, with many viewing the move as an unnecessary financial burden, especially on low-income citizens. This shift in focus from digital ID concerns to financial grievances may not have been coincidental. Some analysts believe the introduction of fees served as a strategic distraction, shifting public discourse away from privacy and surveillance concerns.

Then came the dramatic policy reversal. In March 2025, President Ruto announced that national IDs would now be issued free of charge, declaring that identification is a fundamental right and should not come at a cost. The announcement was met with widespread relief and praise, effectively repositioning the president as a leader who listens to the people. The public response, which had once been overwhelmingly critical, softened as citizens welcomed the removal of fees.

What made this move particularly strategic was the way it altered the narrative around digital IDs. By first sparking outrage over ID fees, the administration successfully redirected public frustration. The conversation moved from concerns over digital tracking and privacy to relief over the abolition of ID charges. As a result, many Kenyans became indifferent to the finer details of the Maisha Namba system, including its digital nature and the potential for expiry dates on IDs. The government had successfully shifted public focus, making it easier to proceed with the digital rollout with minimal resistance.

This type of political maneuvering is not new. Leaders worldwide have used similar strategies—introducing a controversial policy to provoke public backlash, only to later reverse it and emerge as the hero. By manufacturing a problem and then providing a solution, a leader can control public perception and maintain an image of responsiveness and concern for citizens' welfare.

With the immediate backlash neutralized, the government is now in a stronger position to proceed with the implementation of digital IDs. While risks related to data privacy and surveillance remain, the sense of urgency and resistance that initially surrounded the issue has faded. Moving forward, the administration will need to ensure robust data protection policies to maintain public trust and prevent future legal challenges.

From a political standpoint, Ruto’s handling of the national ID issue has reinforced his leadership strategy, one that balances assertiveness with strategic adaptation. He successfully managed public outrage, outmaneuvered critics, and shifted the conversation in his favor. By first allowing a crisis to unfold and then positioning himself as the problem solver, he demonstrated a keen understanding of public sentiment and political timing.

What started as a highly contested policy has now transitioned into an accepted norm, not because the concerns were resolved but because they were overshadowed by a more immediate issue. President Ruto’s ability to navigate this landscape with precision serves as a lesson in governance, political strategy, and the art of controlling narratives.