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.
Comments
How will Kenyans in the…
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How will Kenyans in the diaspora register
I don't think Kenyans in…
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In reply to How will Kenyans in the… by Mwangi (not verified)
I don't think Kenyans in diaspora should register for Huduma number.
Imagine if someone gets your Huduma number they can access all your information.
Including your passport number, your properties, your family among other things.
Someone in riveroad will…
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Someone in riveroad will become a billionaire...Huduma no original mia tano..ta china mia mbili...watapeli how will you know if someone is using someone else H no. without a colour picture ID..huduma number excercize should generate unique picture ID to replace.current one as captured..Cyber crime...on the loose
Am not against getting the…
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Am not against getting the number but I have a feeling that once you get it,it will be easier for the government to track & victimize you if you're opposed to the taxation schemes that they usually come up with!I don't think they care much about security coz after all Al Shabab attacks at will & we don't hear about their deaths or arrests! Getting the number is the most efficient way to make sure that every citizen contributes to the needs of the government! Kweri au rongo?
True. With this Huduma…
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In reply to Am not against getting the… by Andrew (not verified)
True.
With this Huduma number the Kenya government can even change your name, the number of on your title deed, they can even control your electricity and bank accounts using that number.
Am personally not boarding!
@guest hehehehe don't u guys…
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@guest hehehehe don't u guys have social security number which i have too in usa.Has the gavament tampered with it???Diaspora refugees don't block kila kitu gava is trying to bring.To me aslong as it's gonna make things simple n right hey am for it but wakitamper with it then they wil b taken to courts coz our courts works atleast so me am not scared at all.
Baba,don't think you're in…
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In reply to @guest hehehehe don't u guys… by mkenya halisi (not verified)
Baba,don't think you're in safe hands coz you're in "Demoncratic State of America!" they can seduce you with a lollipop while all along they're draining all the blood out of you & you won't even feel offended! In U.S they don't need to tamper with your number,they're intelligent & know where to pinch without making you cry in order to get a desired result!
Mkenya halisi just remember…
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In reply to @guest hehehehe don't u guys… by mkenya halisi (not verified)
Mkenya halisi just remember the law of unintended consequences. Social security numbers are now used for things they weren't intended for - bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, job applications etc. If your number gets compromised, you are in for a world of hurt. And they are not even affiliated with a credit card issuer as huduma namba will be. Don't let your blind hatred of the diasporans blind you to the eventual consequences of the adoption of this scheme.
It may be time for Kenyan's…
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It may be time for Kenyan's to start making their own phones and phone systems.
i can't board omera! infact…
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i can't board omera! infact i'll b the last and only kenyan without huduma thing! can't just allow you to take my #biometrics and use them "kamano" block ma card,take away the road,electricity i'll use sun and moon at daytime and night respectively. Bt i'ii b eating mbuta boil
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