As the government plans to introduce a new Huduma bill (that will make registration of Huduma Namba mandatory), Kenyans who leveraged on the court’s ruling might wonder what this means for them.
The new bill dubbed Huduma Bill 2019, signifies that every Kenyan from 6 years of age and foreign nationals living in the country, will have to register for the unique personal identification number. This in order to access a range of government services which include;
- Health services
- New mobile number registration
- Open a bank account
- Register marriage
- Enrol in a public school
- Obtain a passport. The application will be done through NIIMS
- Car registration
- Apply for a driving license
- Register a company/NGO. This is why you should register your business.
- Register as a voter
- Pay tax
- Transact in the financial markets
- Transfer/make land dealings
- Register for an electricity connection
With the new bill also comes the introduction of NIIMS (National Integrated Identity Management System) database, which will contain data for all people living in Kenya. The database will be stored in Kenya and protected by a data protection officer appointed by the principal secretary.
Considering that as a Kenyan resident you also will be required to register a newborn baby on the system, (regardless of the child’s place of birth), without the Huduma number you might not be able to obtain a birth certificate. However, once a minor turns 18 he/she will have the chance to apply for an adult Huduma Namba.
Aside from registering and obtaining a birth certificate, through the Huduma service one will also be able to register and obtain a death certificate.
The registration process requires you to provide your fingerprints and other biometric data. Later you will be issued a Huduma card, on which the following personal details will be captured;
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Nationality
- Place of birth
- Profile photograph
- Huduma Namba
- The date of issue
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Even though during the initial process enlisting for a Huduma number was not mandatory, to echo Fred Matiangi’s words, without one it seems an individual will have a hard time accessing government services.
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Additional information
The Ministry for Interior and Coordination of National Government which will govern the proposed Huduma law, has called for public opinion and proposals on the draft bill. The open public forum will be held on Thursday, 25 July 2019 at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete Campus.
Participations through written submissions can be made and delivered to the following offices by the 2nd August 2019.
- Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Offices at Harambee House 4th Floor
- Any Deputy County Commissioner’s Offices in the 47 counties
- Huduma Namba Secretariat, 21st Floor, Teleposta Towers
For more information about the Huduma Bill, find the Huduma drafts here.
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