A sample of a Rwandan ID for foreigners. Smart ID will include several fetures
The National Identification Agency (NIDA) says it is ready to start issuing integrated Smart Identity Cards that combine many identification features as soon as it is approved by relevant institutions.
“Our systems are already upgraded and we are ready to start producing smart IDs,” Josephine Mukesha, NIDA General Director revealed to KT Press adding that “the next step is to launch the system for Rwandans to start using smart IDs.”
Mukesha however said there is no precise date for the system to be launched since launching it is beyond NIDA’s ability.
For the first phase, the card will include the personal identification, driving license, health insurance, passport, and family dependants/members, but the NIDA General Director says “it may feature other data once needed since the system has that capacity.”
In Rwanda, every citizen aged 16 and above qualifies for an Id, but for supplementary features will be optional. Interested citizen will apply for them.
The cost of Rwanda national ID is Rwf500 but in previous stories, NIDA told the media that he smart ID would cost Rwf15,000 due to logistics involved in producing it.
Rwanda is digitizing all information to speed up service delivery. Most services offered at local, and central level, including birth certificates, application for driving license exams, to mention but a few are offered through Irembo, an online platform that delivers online services to the public.
