Rwandans, particularly residents of Kigali, who missed the nationwide exercise to have their photos and biometric data captured for the new digital national identity have been given more time to complete the process at designated registration sites.
By the end of August, more than seven million Rwandans had provided their biometric data, while about 8.3 million had completed the identity verification process.
In Kigali, the Gikondo site at the Expo Grounds has continued to receive residents who missed the initial exercise. Large numbers of people were still turning up on Sunday, with long queues reported at the site.
Residents said the continued exercise was giving those who missed the initial registration an opportunity to complete the requirements for the new digital identity.
Furaha Diane, one of the residents who had her biometrics captured at Gikondo, said she missed the earlier exercise because she was in the provinces.
“I missed the opportunity to have my photo taken because I was in the provinces. When I returned to Kigali, I found that the exercise had already ended, but I have now managed to have my photo taken here at Gikondo,” she said.
“I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity because having an identity document is important. Every Rwandan should have something that identifies them, and there is nothing better than a national identity card.”
Umulisa Munyanyindi Arcesta, an official from the National Identification Agency (NIDA), said Rwandans can have their biometric data captured at any designated site, regardless of where they are registered, were born or currently live.
“Every Rwandan, whether they live in the provinces or Kigali, can have their photo taken at any site. You do not have to go to the site where you are registered, where you were born or where you live,” she told RBA.
She also reassured residents who do not know their parents’ national ID numbers that they should not be discouraged from taking part in the exercise.
“When you arrive at the site, you can approach a NIDA official who will assist you and help find your parents’ national ID numbers,” she said.
The biometric registration process involves capturing a facial photograph, fingerprints, iris scans and a signature.
For children under five, only a facial photograph is captured, while those aged between six and 15 are not required to provide a signature.
Gikondo is currently the only site in Kigali continuing to serve residents who missed the initial exercise. The site can process between 600 and 1,000 people per day.
NIDA said the expanded biometric registration exercise will continue in Nyabihu, Nyamasheke, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru this week.
The exercise will then move to Rusizi during the week beginning September 14 before concluding in Musanze, Burera and Rubavu districts.
The continued exercise is aimed at giving residents who missed the initial registration an opportunity to complete the biometric requirements for Rwanda’s new digital national identity system.
