Gov't to Block SIM Cards of Kenyans who Fail to Register for Huduma Namba

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) says the government will deactivate mobile phone SIM cards of Kenyans who fail to register for Huduma Namba.

Speaking on Thursday, CA Director-General Francis Wangusi said the government will instruct telecommunications firms to switch off the SIM card after the end of the registration drive.

“We will ask service providers to shut down SIM cards of those who will not have acquired Huduma Namba,” says Wangusi.

The official also says Kenyans seeking to purchase new SIM cards will be asked to produce Huduma Namba.

“Those without SIM cards will not be able to purchase new ones without Huduma Namba.”

The mass registration in the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) is currently ongoing countrywide and is expected to end on May 18th.

In a ruling early this month, the High Court barred the government from forcing Kenyans to register for Huduma Namba or denying services to those who would not register.

The government was further barred from sharing information collected during the registration with foreign organizations.

''Some people may read malice but the State is serious in coming up measures aimed at ensuring cybersecurity, and also protecting people's data and privacy,'' says Wangusi.

Last week, Immigration Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalangwa also stated that those without Huduma Namba will be denied passports.

In an interview on Monday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said eight million Kenyans had been registered.