The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has told Kenyans that registering for Huduma Namba is not mandatory and no government services will be denied to you just because you have not registered for one. The Society also advised Kenyans not to feel pressured by the Housing Levy as the matters are still subject of court proceedings.
Kenyans have been thronging Huduma Namba registration centres in the last two days after Interior Cabinet Fred Matiang’i on Monday said Saturday’s deadline will not be extended and those who do not list may find it difficult accessing certain services.
This despite Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and two others moving to court during which they secured suspension of he amendment to the Registration of Persons Act last year that paved way to the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) pending hearing and determination of the petition.
Justices Pauline Nyamweya, Mumbi Ngugi and Weldon Korir ruled that the registration can proceed but barred the government from forcing individuals to register and denying those who do not services.
“Members of the public are advised that based on the court orders, registration for Huduma Namba is not mandatory and the government should not force anyone to acquire the number,” a statement released by LSK President Allen Gichuhi on Friday reads in part.
He went ahead to inform the public that no one should be denied any government services for failing to register. In addition, Gichuhi said that the government should not set any deadlines for registration.
On the issue of the Housing Levy, he urged the public to take note that the matter is still subject to court proceedings and they should not be threatened, harassed, penalised or victimised in any way for failing to remit the same.
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Gichuhi also urged the government to fast track the finalisation of the Data Protection Bill 2018 that is long overdue and further encouraged the use of public participation as a means to get views and input from the public and stakeholders to ensure that all concerns are captured and articulated by law.
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