Gov't Says Kenyans Without Huduma Namba Will Be Denied IDs, Passports

The government has announced that Kenyans who will not be registered in the National Integrated Identity Management Systems (NIIMS) will be denied crucial government services.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho says those who aren't registered under the new system will not be able to obtain IDs, passports, driving licenses, birth certificates, and other crucial documents.

Through NIIMS, the government will capture data of Kenyans from the age of six in a bid to create and manage a central master population register that will be the authentic source of truth of the identity of all persons residing in Kenya, including foreigners.

Kenyans registered under NIIMS will be issued with a unique number known as a "Huduma Namba."

The pilot registration for NIIMS will be done in February and March 2019 and will be coordinated by respective County Commissioners.

Registration will be conducted at homes, mobile registration centers and institutions such as hospitals, prisons, and schools between 6 am and 6 pm, including weekends 
and public holidays.

To register, one is required to submit their identification documents and be physically present during the registration exercise.

The pilot will be done in 15 counties including Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Baringo, Marsabit, Embu, Makueni, Busia, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Kilifi and Tana River.