Kenya has kicked out an exercise to register all its citizens under the new huduma number.
The exercise is expected to cost the government between 5 to 6 billion.
Huduma number is conducted by the National Integrated Identity Management system (NIIMS) and involves collecting biometric data after which the systems generates a unique number (Huduma Namba) which will enable one to access government services. Such services include applying for a driving license, ID, birth certificate among others.
Here is an excerpt of an interview by Dr Karanja kibicho explaining benifits of the huduma number.
"Once we are done, with the exercise , the Huduma Namba will be the only identification document you will need."
"Without it, you will not access any government services that require documentation, just as you cannot do so without a national ID card."he added.
Information which the huduma card will capture include biometric and other information data from birth to death.