Digital IDs not same as Huduma Namba, CS Owalo clarifies

Information and Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has clarified that the yet-to-be-formed National Digital Identification will not be the same as Huduma Namba.

Speaking on Thursday, Owalo said that Kenyans now need to embrace technological innovation and don't need physical identity cards.

"Whenever we say that we are introducing digital IDs, people go amok and start thinking that we are introducing the Huduma Namba, no that is not what we are doing," he said.

"Kenyans need a digital identity which is not the same as reinventing the Huduma Namba. The two are distinct." 

Owalo said that Kenyans need a digital identity that can be used by the government to determine 'whom we are conducting business with.'

He said that with the digital IDs, the government will not carry forward the Huduma Namba challenges.

The CS added that other international countries have embraced it and Kenya should not be left behind.

Owalo said the digital identification for Kenyans will be anchored on the National Identity System by February 2024.

"We are not carrying forward the baggage of Huduma Namba. Other countries have done it (digital identification) there is no reason why Kenya should be an exception," Owalo said.

On the digitisation of government records, Owalo said the government, under the digital services pillar, will ensure all services are digitalised by June this year.

Already plans are underway to ensure that 5,000 government services are aboard the e-citizen portal by June as the government leverages technology to expand its revenue tax base.

The digital ID seeks to replace Huduma Namba which was launched in 2019.

The Huduma Bill No.57 of 2021 sought to provide a primary law on civil registration and legal identity.

In 2018, people were registered into Huduma Namba in the first phase.

However, the High Court declared Huduma Card unconstitutional on October 2021.