Huduma Namba, is a free government service and is expected to cost between Sh5 billion and Sh6 billion.

It is conducted by the National Integrated Identity Management system (NIIMS) and involves collecting biometric data after which the systems generates a unique number (Huduma Namba) which will enable one to access government services. Such services include applying for a driving license, ID, birth certificate among others.

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.

Launching the project, PS, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government of Kenya, Karanja Kibicho assured Kenyans that they did not have to go to their places of birth to register.

Below are excerpts of the interview between NTV with Dr Karanja on the project:

What is unique about this number?

Kenyans are required to carry several documents like the national identity card, KRA personal identification number, driving licence, passport and many others.

All these documents are recorded in different databases so Huduma Namba consolidates the information to arrive at the ‘single source of truth’ regarding a Kenyan.

After the registration, the gadgets will be left with the chiefs to continue registering births, deaths, marriages, and any other updates. There will be a process for the updates.

Foreigners in Kenya are also supposed to get a digital number. Does it apply to those on short-stay visas? If yes, would it be issued at the point of entry or secured in advance?

Short term visitors or tourists are not expected to acquire a Huduma Namba.

The only non-citizens required to register are those with the status of workers, students and asylum seekers.

What infrastructure will be used in the pilot and has it been rolled out? Which parts of the country are involved in the pilot? How long will the trial run, what will it cost?

We have procured 31,500 biometric kits. The pilot phase of registration starts on February 18 to 22 in 15 counties.

The counties were chosen because of their differences in terrain, demographics and other factors.

The initial registration will give the government a varied picture to enable proper preparation for the mass registration.

Assistant chiefs have been mobilised and trained on the use of the biometric kits.

The countrywide mass registration will begin on March 15 after data from the pilot is analysed, logistics addressed and last minute teething problems ironed out.

Is there any link between this and the census?

The connection to the census is coincidental because of the timing. Huduma Namba was conceptualised in 2016 and has nothing to do with the census.

The national census involves the physical counting of people in a household and requests basic data.

The Huduma Namba does not require you to be at the same place with your family while you register. You do not need to go to your village or your county.

What will it cost me to register for Huduma Namba?

This is a free government service. The total cost of the exercise is between Sh5 billion and Sh6 billion.

The Huduma Namba will make the lives of Kenyans easy. Once we capture your information digitally, you will never again have to queue to submit new data, unless you choose to.

In the same way that your driver’s licence or national ID have the original photo taken as a teenager, so too shall the Huduma Namba.

Why were new kits bought instead of using the IEBC ones?

The government would love to use the IEBC kits and save money but this is not possible.

Had we borrowed the IEBC kits, we would have to return them at some point, meaning the crucial registration processes would grind to a halt.

Is Huduma Namba anchored in law?

Laws have been put in place to ensure no litigation hinders the rollout of this programme.

The Registration of Persons Act was amended in the National Assembly to include digital biometric and data capture.

A standalone Huduma Namba Bill is in Parliament and it includes permission to capture data as well as makes provisions for the protection of that information.

Single identification numbers have been used in the West to help governments plan; disburse benefits such as welfare, healthcare, housing and agriculture.

The government hopes Huduma Namba will play a similar role in channelling resources to the elderly, school children, the disabled, members of the proposed housing fund, small and medium enterprises and farmers.

It also hopes the number would aid in combating fraud. It could also help check the unwanted entry into the country by foreigners in the wake of terrorist threats and attacks.