While a section of Kenyans have opposed the entire concept arguing that it was not secure and would infringe on their privacy. The government has however, insisted the process is key and will enhance its efficiency in service delivery.
Anyone who will not register for National Integrated Information Management System (NIIMS) also known as Huduma Namba will not get a passport from the immigration department. This is according to Gordon Kihalangwa.
The Immigration Ministry’s Principal Secretary Gordon Kihalangwa said the unique number given to registered citizens will be used as the only source of truth.
During a conversation on Tuesday 9th of April 2019 with Kenyan television station NTV Kihalangwa said those who will not have the number will be treated as strangers and will not receive services from the immigration department.
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The Principal Secretary said “NIIMS is a total upgrade of what we have been doing here, it is a very important exercise because it will not only assist us address security issues but will also be used in delivery of services. That is why if you are not in NIIMS and you are applying for a passport then we will know very well that you are not a Kenyan,”
Parts of the Kenyan population are still resisting the move, refusing to register with NIIMS. Their decision being a result of the 666 digits associated with the process saying it is ‘satanic.’
Others accuse the government of not putting legal measures in place to protect the privacy and safety of registered citizens.
The kenyan goverment has however, maintained that the process will go on. It is urging all Kenyans to register so that they do not miss out on crucial services that will only be offered to individuals who would have acquired the number.
With the aim of curbing corruption and the illegal issuing of passports to non-kenyans, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will review the systems at the Immigration department.
The EACC’s Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak stated that the department was prone to corruption and there was urgent need to review and upgrade their system to curb the uncouth business.
“The fact that Immigration officers interact directly with the public makes them very prone to corruption particularly if the systems in place are not strict”.
The Deputy President of the republic of Kenya, William Ruto during his registration at the Langat’a registration center, urged citizens to register within the specified period adding that that it is important that the government had accurate data on all its citizens.
“As a government, we need accurate data to enable us to put in place plans that are efficient and effective,” Deupty President Ruto said.
He also said Huduma Namba will be beneficial to citizens as the same number will be used for all other official documents.
“It will cut on the burdensome paperwork of carrying the identity card, driving license, among other documents while seeking services from the government,” he added.
Huduma Namba, is a free government service and is expected to cost between 5 billion and 6 billion Kenyan Shillings.
The government kicked off pilot testing on Monday across 15 counties including Nairobi, Makueni, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Busia, Kajiado, Baringo, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kisii, Tana River, Embu, Kisumu, and Wajir.
Foreigners in Kenya with the status of workers, students and asylum seekers will also be expected to get a digital number.
Short term visitors or tourists will be exempted.
