This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, the government announced the reopening of Huduma Namba registration for Kenyans who missed the initial drive.
Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna stated that the State has reopened Huduma Namba registration to allow Kenyans who missed out in the last drive to get the identifier.
“Those who did not register because they lacked birth certificates or other documents will be allowed to register,” said Mr Oguna.
According to Oguna, the national government will deploy two clerks in every sub-location to oversee the exercise.
The move comes in the wake of an uproar over a proposed Bill that will deny Kenyans without a Huduma card access to crucial public services.
The Bill, sponsored by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, aims to make the Huduma number the official government-issued document for identification and conduct of transactions.
Enactment of the Bill will result in Kenyans who have not registered for Huduma number missing out on key government services such as buying and selling land, registering certificates for marriages, operating bank accounts, registering phone numbers, accessing public healthcare, obtaining a passport, and registering as voters.
The public has two weeks from the announcement to voice their input in the Huduma Namba Bill, which will then be presented before the National Assembly and, if approved, to the President for assent, making the Huduma Namba mandatory for all Kenyans beginning December.
