Kenyan citizens and aliens will now require only one identification document for all government services in the new National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) that was rolled out Monday.
While launching the Huduma Namba pilot registration at Eastleigh in Kamukunji Constituency, Principal Secretary State Department of Correctional Services Zeinab Hussein said that the registration is aimed at consolidating all identification documents to an identical number that each citizen will use for all government services.
“No blood sample or DNA will be required for the registration nor will aliens be deported as rumored. We just need to know who you are for the government to be able to serve you better,” said the PS.
She urged members of the public who were present at the launch to fully support the local administration who include Chiefs, Nyumba Kumi elders and registration officials who would be conducting door to door registration.
She said the exercise would take 40 days from February 18 and encouraged those that do not have identification documents not to worry as they would be registered using their biometrics.
Biometrics involves detailed information of an individual’s body like patterns, colour of their eyes to prove who they are.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary State Department for Vocational and Technical Training Dr. Kevit Desai said data collected through National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) would help in equity in education training which would be of great importance in the achievement of the President’s Big four Agenda.
Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan said that electronic registration is a requirement in advanced and advancing economies and Kenyans should not be left behind.
“This registration is about your future, your security, your health and all the benefits you require for development. It is not targeting a particular tribe or religion, it is for all Kenyans,” said Hassan.
Meanwhile, at a similar function in Makueni, Principal Secretary for State Department of Planning Dr. Julius Muia said the exercise targets all citizens and foreigners residing in Kenya.
“The system will also help fight corruption through guarding against impersonation and fraud,” said Dr. Muia. His remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by the Makueni County Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Maalim at Kitise in Kathozweni where the NIIMS was launched officially.
Among documents required include national identification card, passport, driving licence, NHIF,KRA PIN, work permit refugee cards among other documents.
He said registration will be conducted by the assistant chiefs with the help of registration assistants during the pilot period.
However the PS disclosed that the programme will be rolled out countrywide in March and anyone who does not register will not access government services.
“Registration is mandatory, anyone who gives false information will be prosecuted,” he said.
By Simon Githogori and Patrick Nyakundi
