Kenya National ID (Maisha Card) OCR Python SDK

Parsing National ID (Maisha Card) Challenges

Extracting data from the Kenya National ID (Maisha Card) presents unique challenges. First, the print quality on some cards can be inconsistent, leading to blurred or distorted characters that are difficult for standard OCR engines to recognize. Second, navigating the layout differences between legacy laminated IDs and the 3rd-generation Maisha smart cards requires high adaptability. Finally, ensuring document authenticity requires reliably locating and strictly parsing the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) on the back of the modern card to avoid engineering overhead.

Why StructOCR for Kenya

StructOCR's model is specifically trained on a vast dataset of Kenyan National ID (Maisha Card) variations. This ensures high accuracy even with low-quality prints and layout differences. Our Python SDK simplifies integration into your existing systems, providing a clean id parsing api for uploading images and receiving structured data in JSON format. Specifically designed to handle the 14 digits structure of Kenyan IDs and decode its embedded MRZ, it effectively minimizes development time and complexity.

Common Use Cases in Kenya

• Digital Onboarding: Verify users for Fintech apps in Kenya by pre-filling the Maisha Namba and matching VIZ data against the cryptographic MRZ.
• Telecom Registration: Automate SIM card registration with National ID (Maisha Card) compliant with local regulations.
• Hotel Check-in: Speed up guest registration workflows with automated MRZ scanning.

Python SDK Integration

Install the SDK via pip: `pip install structocr`. The SDK automatically maps Kenya-specific fields (like Maisha Namba) and extracts the raw TD1 MRZ block.

Prerequisite: Python 3.6+ and `structocr` library installed.

from structocr import StructOCR

# 🔑 Need a key for Kenya? Get 200 free credits instantly:
# 👉 https://structocr.com/register
# Initialize with your API Key
client = StructOCR("YOUR_API_KEY_HERE")

def scan_kenya_id():
    # Note: Supports JPG, PNG, WebP (Max 4.5MB)
    # Target: National ID (Maisha Card)
    image_path = "kenya_national_id.jpg"

    try:
        print(f"Scanning {image_path}...")
        
        # The SDK handles file upload and API communication
        result = client.scan_national_id(image_path)

        if result.get('success'):
            data = result['data']
            print("✅ Kenya Extraction Successful!")
            
            # Basic Identity
            print(f"Region:      {data.get('country_code')} (Series: {data.get('card_series')})")
            print(f"Name:        {data.get('given_names')} {data.get('surname')}")
            print(f"ID Number:   {data.get('document_number')}")
            
            # Critical Field: Maisha Namba (Personal Identity Number)
            print(f"Personal #:  {data.get('personal_number')}")
            
            # Demographics
            print(f"DOB:         {data.get('date_of_birth')} ({data.get('sex')})")
            print(f"Address:     {data.get('address')}")
            
            # Extract TD1 MRZ Data
            additional = data.get('additional_fields', {})
            if additional.get('mrz_line_1'):
                print("\n🔍 MRZ Data Extracted & Validated:")
                print(f"Line 1: {additional.get('mrz_line_1')}")
                print(f"Line 2: {additional.get('mrz_line_2')}")
                print(f"Line 3: {additional.get('mrz_line_3')}")
        else:
            print(f"❌ Extraction Failed: {result.get('error')}")

    except Exception as e:
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    scan_kenya_id()

JSON Response Example

The SDK returns a Python dictionary containing the parsed visual data (VIZ), the Maisha Namba, and the raw Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) block.

{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "type": "national_id",
    "country_code": "KEN",
    "nationality": "KENYAN",
    "document_number": "12345678",
    "card_series": "",
    "personal_number": "12345678",
    "surname": "ODHIAMBO",
    "given_names": "JAPHETH",
    "sex": "M",
    "date_of_birth": "1990-05-15",
    "place_of_birth": "NAIROBI",
    "address": "P.O. BOX 100, NAIROBI, KENYA",
    "date_of_issue": "2020-01-01",
    "date_of_expiry": "2030-01-01",
    "issuing_authority": "National Registration Bureau",
    "additional_fields": {
      "tramite_number": null,
      "mrz_line_1": "IDKEN123456788<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<",
      "mrz_line_2": "9005156M3001018KEN12345678<<<<",
      "mrz_line_3": "ODHIAMBO<<JAPHETH<<<<<<<<<<<<<"
    }
  }
}