• Raila said NIIMS should be a system that makes work easier
•Court prohibited state from including DNA in the biometrics
Image: COURTESY
ODM party leader Raila Odinga has hit out at those opposing the Huduma number, saying Kenya has gone digital.
"Kwa wale wanapinga, mimi nauliza wanapinga nini? Huduma Namba imeletwa kutusaidia ndio maana mimi mwenyewe nimejitokeza," Raila said.
This loosely translates to, "To those who are opposing the drive, I'd like to know what they are opposed to. Huduma Namba was brought to held us and that's why I will sign up for it."
Speaking in Likoni on Tuesday, Raila said the National Integrated Identification Management System (NIIMS) should be a system that makes work easier.
"Kenya we are digital, mambo ya PO Box ilikwisha, wengine wanakimbia mahakamani, unapinga nini? Hata mahakama yetu is not digital," Raila said.
This translates to, "Kenya is digital. Leave this business of using post office box numbers. There are some rushing to court - what are they opposed to? Even our courts are digital."
The High Court on Monday allowed the government to proceed with NIIMS which President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to officially launch in Machakos county today.
However, the court has put strict conditions for the government to adhere to.
The state is prohibited from including DNA in the biometrics.
"Hii kitu infaa ikuwe lazima. Nitakuwa wa kwanza kujiandikisha hapa Likoni.. the court hawajajua hii maneno vizuri...hii imeletwa kusaidia mwananchi si kuwaumiza,"Raila said.
This translates to, "Registration should be compulsory. I'll be the first to sign up here in Likoni. The courts have not yet understood this concept well. The number has been brought to help citizens, not hurt them."
Raila urged every Kenyan to register on NIIMS, adding that they will be able to get all the assistance they need from the government.
The government plans to produce a digital Huduma card, replacing current IDs and capturing a wealth of details.
The exercise starts today and ends on April 16.
National ID cards will be rendered obsolete with the new card.
KRA certificate, NHIF and NSSF cards, and certificates of good conduct, among others, could also become obsolete.
The project will cost about Sh6 million. Each person will have a unique number. The Interior ministry says this will bring order to the identification of persons. Current data are inconsistent.
Everyone from age six and above will be registered.