Fact-Checker: State has no right to deny you services for lack of Huduma number

Mbeere North Deputy County Commissioner Jeremiah Tumo registers for Huduma number during the National Integrated Identity Management Systems pilot programme at Manyatta Market. The programme is being piloted in 15 counties. [Joseph Muchiri, Standard]

In the application of any new policy, the State usually relies on the carrot and stick method. The carrot is where the State appeals to the idea that the policy will shower you with benefits. In other words, it is in your self-interest and worth the inconvenience of sacrificing man-hours to apply the common policy.

However, in Kenya, the Government either lacks the patience or the power to convince the masses hence relies on the stick. During the launch of the Huduma number - the master database, the State wanted to demonstrate that the data would update its identification system, help it plan and even reduce terrorist attacks.