“Government will coerce, blackmail you for information” Warns Lobby group

A lobby group has warned about proceding with the governments, National Integrated Identification Management System (Niims)

KHRC has sued the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Attorney-General Paul Kariuki Kihara, Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i (Interior) and Joe Mucheru (ICT) and the Kenya Law Reform (KLR).

Redundant system

The commission says there already exists a parallel mechanism known in the name of the Integrated Population Registration System that should be able to do what Niims is touted to do.

Niims was introduced through the 2018 Miscellaneous Amendments Act, which saw changes to the Registration of Persons Act.

The National Integrated Information System was introduced through the 2018 Miscellaneous Amendments Act, which saw changes to the Registration of Persons Act.

Gaffes in information protection

KHRC argued that while digitizing databases could boost efficiency in registration and increase data quality while data management costs are lowered, the country does not have laws or policies on information protection.

Coercion to obtain information

The lobby group also said that Niims would breach the law as information relating to family or private affairs may unnecessarily be revealed to unauthorized persons.

According to the lobby, Niims will resort to coercion and blackmail for personal information in exchange for constitutionally guaranteed rights.

It argued that the law in Niims does not provide for a transition mechanism from the present regime and exposes taxpayers to inconveniences and wastage.

“KHRC brings this case to defend, uphold and promote good governance, human dignity, transparency and accountability,” Mr George Kegoro said.

The amendments that led to the formation of Niims were made on November 29, 2018 and assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 31.

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