More than 7.2 million Rwandans have had their biometric data captured under the electronic identity card programme, while over 8.3 million have verified their civil-registration information.
National Identification Agency (NIDA) Director General Josephine Mukesha said the nationwide exercise, which began in 2025, is being conducted in two stages: verification of personal information followed by biometric enrolment.
“Registration for the electronic identity card is conducted in two stages. The first is verifying personal information. More than 8.3 million people have completed that stage, while 7.2 million have had their biometric data captured,” Mukesha said.
The biometric enrolment process includes capturing facial images, fingerprints and iris scans required for the new electronic identification system.
The exercise is currently underway in the Northern and Western provinces. NIDA has completed enrollment activities in the Eastern Province and the City of Kigali.
Most of the Southern Province has also been covered, with Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru remaining among the districts where the exercise still needs to be completed.
Unlike the existing national identity card, which is issued from the age of 16, the electronic identity card will be available from birth. Each person will receive a unique identification number that will remain unchanged throughout their life.
NIDA’s electronic system can record nine categories of civil-status information, including births, marriages, recognition of children, adoption and deaths.
Since 2020, children born in health facilities have been registered at their place of birth, while those born outside health facilities are registered at Cell offices. The measure was introduced to bring registration services closer to residents and ensure that births are recorded on time.
Mukesha said civil-registration information also helps the government determine the country’s population and develop more effective national plans.
“When we register a birth or death, we record information such as the child’s birth weight and other details that help us develop programmes and improve national planning,” she said.
NIDA reported that birth registration previously stood at between 70 and 80 per cent when parents were required to register children at Sector offices. Registration has since risen to approximately 96 per cent following the introduction of registration at places of birth.
Electronic identification is expected to make it easier and safer for residents to access public and private services. Identification is commonly required for services including school enrolment, opening bank accounts and registering SIM cards.
Rwandans living abroad will also be included in the programme. They will verify their personal information through Irembo before completing biometric enrolment at Rwandan embassies in their countries of residence.
NIDA said electronic identity enrolment services for Rwandans abroad will begin in the coming days.
Residents who miss the mass-enrolment exercise will still be able to complete the process at Sector offices because electronic identity registration will remain a permanent service.
RADIOTV10