Fred Matiang'i drafts Bill proposing to stop all government services to Kenyans without Huduma Namba

If you don't have Huduma Namba you will not get these services (Bill proposes)

Mumbi Mutuko

July 18, 2019 8:43 AM

You will be jailed over Huduma Namba (Bill proposes)

Kenyans queuing to register for Huduma Namba

The Interior Ministry has proposed a bill that will lock out individuals without Huduma Namba from healthcare services and participating in the country’s election among other essential services.

According to the proposal, any Kenyan without the Huduma Namba will not be issued with a passport, apply for a driving licence or even register their mobile phone number.

Kenyans will also not be allowed to register as voters, pay taxes, transact in the financial markets, open a bank account and register a company or a public benefit organization without a Huduma Namba.

President Uhuru Kenyatta registering for Huduma Namba Pulse Live Kenya

Public participation

On Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiangi put out an announcement calling for public participation over the proposals.

If Parliament adopts the proposal buying land will not be possible if one has not been registered for Huduma Namba and neither will any Kenyan without the number benefit from the government housing scheme.

Getting a marriage certificate will be a nightmare and so will registration to enroll into a public education institution in the country.

The number will be a must-show for Kenyans seeking services from government agencies, for instance, social protection services and register or transfer of a vehicle.

Jail sentence

Kenyans queuing to register for Huduma Namba Pulse Live Kenya

The ministry has organised an open public forum for public participation on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at the Kenya School of Government where Kenyans will be required to submit their views.

Stiff penalties have also been proposed for anyone caught transacting government services without Huduma Namba.

An individual will be jailed for one year or pay a fine of Ksh1 million if caught transacting without Huduma Namba.

Unlawful production of the document will see one spend three years behind bars or Ksh3 million fine.

Mumbi Mutuko