National IDs to stay under centralised printing

DODOMA: NATIONAL identity cards will continue being printed through a centralised system to ensure maximum security, quality control and proper management of citizens’ biometric information.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Mr Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud told the National Assembly that the current system helps minimise risks related to fraud, data leakage and the production of fake national identity cards.

He said this while responding to a basic question from Mtoni MP, Abubakar Mohammed Mussa (CCM), who wanted to know when the government would begin printing national identity cards in Zanzibar, similar to passports, to improve accessibility.

Mr Mahmoud said the centralised printing system enables the government to maintain uniform standards while reducing operational costs that would arise from establishing additional printing centres and deploying specialised equipment and personnel.

“Printing national IDs in a single highly secured centre helps protect biometric information, encryption systems and specialised equipment, thereby reducing the risk of fraud, data leakage and the production of fake identity cards,” he stressed.

ALSO READ: NBC expands rural banking for farmers empowerment 

The Deputy Minister said all registration and identification details are processed at the main data processing centre, where National Identification Numbers (NINs) and national identity cards are generated.

“The centre is equipped with advanced infrastructure capable of verifying applicants and matching fingerprints, allowing each applicant to be uniquely identified,” he explained.

In a supplementary question, the MP asked whether the government sees the need to establish a printing centre in Zanzibar.

Responding, the Deputy Minister said the government acknowledges the importance of the proposal but remains cautious due to security considerations.

“The government sees the need, but emphasis is placed on security, quality control and fraud prevention because national identity cards differ significantly from passports. When the need becomes more compelling, the government will consider it,” he said.