The History of NIDA in Tanzania | Fahamu Historia ya NIDA Nchini Tanzania

About NIDA in Tanzania | Kuhusu NIDA na Historia Yake 

Ifuatayo ni Historia ya NIDA na Kuanzishwa kwake | The idea of ​​establishing National IDs for Tanzanian citizens and foreigners living in Tanzania was born in 1968 in an Interstate Intelligence Gathering session that included delegates from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia.

By then Kenya and Zambia already had their National IDs. It was resolved that in order to strengthen the security relations under the Rule of Law in the four countries, Uganda and Tanzania must also issue National IDs to their citizens. 

There have been various efforts by the Government to ensure that Tanzanians and foreigners are issued with National IDs, but these efforts have not been able to bear fruit for long periods of time due to various reasons. 

In 1986 the Government enacted an Identification Act that did not apply or enforce its regulations. It is clear at this time that there is a great need to have National IDs depending on the context. 

The establishment of an East African Community where five countries have united and agreed that people of those countries can visit each other without distraction has also increased the importance of having IDs. 

It should be noted that Tanzania is the only country in the Community that does not have a National ID card. A feasibility study of National IDs held in 2006 has shown that the Project is being implemented. 

The report also outlined the project cost estimates and how the project will be implemented where the Smartcard technology will be implemented as approved by the Cabinet at a sitting in Dodoma in February 2007. 

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has already signed a Certificate of Approval for the establishment of a National Identification Authority known as the National Identification Authority (NIDA). 

This document is published in Government Gazette, GN No.122 dated 01/08/2008. In its February 3, 2007 Session, the Cabinet recommended that the Steering Committee be formed of the Secretaries, Departments and Units that deal with important issues concerning National IDs. 

This committee, among other things, will be responsible for providing guidance and direction for Project programs. The Council also decided that the feasibility study of Gotham International Limited (GIL) should be the guide for the implementation of the Project and the Company was appointed as Project Advisor. 

In another step, the Government directed that various project implementation information including the bidder's bid to develop a National ID system be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.