Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has defended the ongoing Huduma Namba registration drive.
While urging Kenyans to participate in the 45-day exercise, Odinga has dismissed those opposed to the National Integrated Information Management System (NIIMS), saying the database will promote accountability and efficient delivery of government services.
“The government has been working on estimates over the years and this has made it difficult to effectively cater for the needs of people in various segments of the economy,” says Odinga.
He also wants the registration drive made mandatory to ensure all Kenyans’ data is captured in the database.
In a ruling early this month, the High Court ruled that the listing exercise is voluntary and barred the government from forcing Kenyans to take part.
On Thursday, State House dismissed claims that Kenyans who fail to register for Huduma Namba would be denied services.
“There is no directive from the Government to institute any punitive measures against those who don’t register. More emphasis will be laid on civic education!” said State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita.
On Friday, President Kenyatta announced that 11 million Kenyans had registered for Huduma Namba.
Raila also revealed that he will be accompanying President Uhuru Kenyatta next week to seek Sh380 billion loan from China for the Standard Gauge Railway.
Raila who made the revelation on Saturday, when he made a stopover in Sondu, Kisumu County, said he will accompany Uhuru to Beijing to negotiate for the loan that will go towards the funding of the extension of the railway line from Naivasha to Kisumu inland port.
“I will be part of the delegation to accompany the President to the Asian country next week. The new SGR line will extend from Naivasha, Narok, Bomet, Sondu and finally Kisumu,” Raila said as quoted by Tuko.
The Cabinet approved construction of the second phase in 2017 and would be financed on a Government-to-Government arrangement in which Kenya Railways Corporation and China Communications Construction would sign the commercial contract.