This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
The Kenyan government has announced plans to make the Huduma Namba, a unique identification number, mandatory for all citizens by December. This move comes after the Interior Ministry published the Huduma Namba Bill 2019, which will see the use of the number become compulsory for all interactions with the government.
According to the bill, the Huduma Namba will be a permanent number assigned to each citizen, serving as proof of identification in the country. It will be required for various government services, including the acquisition of passports, driving licenses, registration of mobile phone numbers, and voter registration.
The number will also be mandatory for payment of taxes at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), opening of bank accounts, and undertaking land transfers. Additionally, it will be required for seeking power connectivity from Kenya Power, access to universal healthcare, and before one gets married.
Minors aged six years old, adults aged 18 years and above, and foreign nationals will be eligible for the Huduma Namba. Newborns must be registered within 90 days of birth, and failure to do so will result in penalties determined by the delay period.
The public has 14 days from Thursday next week to provide input on the Huduma Namba Bill, after which it will move to the National Assembly and, if approved, to the President for assent.
Communications Authority of Kenya Director General Francis Wangusi had previously stated that those who fail to register for Huduma Namba will have their SIM cards blocked, sparking public outrage.
