Kenyans to acquire new unique numbers

The Government is set to register citizens and foreigners in a new platform that will ensure centralised management of information.

And for those who will not be registered in the new Government platform dubbed the National Integrated Identity Management Systems (NIIMS), it will be difficult to access certain important services.

NIIMS, which will capture data for persons from the age of six, will create and manage a central master population register.

Each NIIMS registration will generate a unique number to be known as a Huduma Namba. The number will serve to assign a personal unique identification to facilitate Government services after capturing biometric data of all citizens and foreigners.

“A person without a Huduma Namba will not access Government services, including registration, renewal or replacement of an ID card, application for passport, application, renewal for a driving license and birth certificate,” said interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho.

Without this NIIMS

“One cannot enroll for cash transfer for the elderly, subsidised farm inputs and other cash services under the Big Four agenda like affordable housing among others without this NIIMS.”

To register, one will require their identification documents and physical presence. Mr Kibicho dismissed reports that people would need to present their DNA samples in the registration.

“Please help us tell the public no one will take their DNA in this exercise. What will be captured are fingerprints and physical appearances,” said Kibicho.

The pilot registration begins on February 15, and will be spearheaded by county commissioners. It will be in 15 counties, including Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Baringo, Marsabit, Embu, Makueni, Busia, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Kilifi and Tana River.