Business

Here’s what will happen if you don’t get Huduma Namba by May 18

17/05/2019
Andrew

Image result for huduma namba

May 18 is the deadline for Huduma Namba mass registration and as usual Kenyans are rushing to beat the deadline.

Long queues have been spotted at various registration centres after Interior CS Fred Matiang’i stated that the period will not be extended.

This has seen some unscrupulous agents taking advantage of the rush to ask Kenyans for money to speed up the process.

But the question here is what are the consequences for not getting the Huduma Namba, if any.

The government has occasionally said that Kenyans who will fail to register before the deadline will face consequences.

The just replaced government spokesman Eric Kiraithe compared the Huduma Namba to the national identity card (ID) and its significance in most daily activities.

He maintained that it’s crucial for Kenyans to spare time and register for the National Integrated Identity Management System (Niims) number as it will be of equal importance.

“The consequences are very simple; if you are living in a country where you are required to produce your identity card at the bank or when you’re sitting an exam, at the end of the day, unless you really want to be inconvenienced, you will have to get it[huduma namba],”explained Kiraithe.

“Whereas now you are only going to the local school or market and getting it… You will travel longer distances. At the end of the day you cannot choose not to do with it,” added Kiraithe.

The exercise has drawn its fair share of criticism and praise and while some are comfortable with sharing their personal information, others are skeptical of the entire process.

While allowing the government to roll out the registration exercise, a three-judge bench ruled that the government should not make the exercise mandatory or issue deadlines for the registration.

However, the reports of bribes by some agents has tainted the whole process, even for willing Kenyans.

A man identified as Mougendi shared his shock on Twitter saying the officials had asked for Ksh.350 each for the process to be brought to their office.

Here are some other shocking bribes claims.

Furthermore, a video has gone viral where one agent is seen asking for Sh300 per person as she claims the machines are faulty and she has to go for a new one.

The lady in the clip further assures those waiting to register that they will not have to queue once they part with the amount.

Kenyans online quickly weighed in on the matter and condemned the incident, calling for arrests to be made.

Here’s the video.

This is the latest setback to befall the controversial NIIMS registration, with less than 24 hours before the close of the whole process.

Below are the summarized benefits for having the number.

  •  Reduction of time wasted in government offices for Huduma Namba holders
  • Risk of SIM card closure for non-compliance
  • Slow access to government services for those without Huduma Namba
  • Reduction of corruption in government agencies Increased risk of identity theft through the information gathered
  • Image result for matiangiAn official who did not want to be named said “Huduma Namba is free, tipping is a choice” defending the process adding the fee is just for “convenience.”Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on Monday said the government will not extend the deadline for the Huduma Namba mass registration exercise but extended the registration time from 6am to 6pm.

    Dr. Matiang’i said 31 million Kenyans had so far registered on the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) to obtain the Huduma Namba.

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