What is Huduma Namba? It is a free government service and is expected to cost between Sh. 5 billion and Sh. 6 billion.
It is conducted by the National Integrated Identity Management system (NIIMS) and involves collecting biometric data after which the systems generates a unique number (Huduma Namba) which will enable one to access government services. Such services include applying for a driving license, ID, birth certificate among others.
Below are excerpts of the interview between NTV with Dr Karanja on the project:
What is unique about this number?
Kenyans are required to carry several documents like the national identity card, KRA personal identification number, driving licence, passport and many others.
All these documents are recorded in different databases so Huduma Namba consolidates the information to arrive at the ‘single source of truth’ regarding a Kenyan.
There is no new data the government is looking for. The only difference is that it is digital and biometric.
Huduma Namba is a useful tool for the government to use in national planning, social services, project resource allocation and even project infrastructure. No other document gives the government the ability to serve its people that way.
Does it mean we can throw away our IDs? What will be their role?
Do not throw away your identity cards or driving licences. After the new registration, this data has to go for verification before you are issued with any sort of card or document.
This is to make sure that the information submitted tallies with what is already recorded. Verification will take time and perhaps the earliest we can get a Huduma Namba document or card is during the issuing of the third generation ID cards.
Once we are done, the Huduma Namba will be the only identification document you will need.
Without it, you will not access any government services that require documentation, just as you cannot do so without a national ID card. Huduma Number is expected to capture biometric and other information data from birth to death.
At what point will it be issued and how will one update the card?
The registration is for Kenyans aged six and above. The countrywide mass registration begins on March 15 after data from the pilot is analysed, logistics sorted out and last minute teething problems dealt with. The mass registration will run for 45 days. After the registration, the gadgets will be left with the chiefs to continue registering births, deaths, marriages, and any other updates. There will be a process for the updates.
Foreigners in Kenya are also supposed to get a digital number. Does it apply to those on short-stay visas? If yes, would it be issued at the point of entry or secured in advance?
Short term visitors or tourists are not expected to acquire a Huduma Namba.
The only non-citizens required to register are those with the status of workers, students and asylum seekers.
Is there any link between this and the census?
The connection to the census is coincidental because of the timing. Huduma Namba was conceptualised in 2016 and has nothing to do with the census. The national census involves the physical counting of people in a household and requests basic data.
