Huduma Regulations have been published in the Kenya Gazette.
The regulations are under The Registration of Persons (National Integrated Identity Management System) Rules, 2020, which entails key definitions and details about the NIIMs database, Huduma Namba and the Huduma Card.
We have explored several aspects of Huduma Namba in previous stories and summed up here. We, however, did not have sufficient information about Huduma Card, especially concerning its relationship with Huduma Namba.
The first phase of the registration exercise was conducted in 2019. The second phase is reportedly supposed to start before the end of 2020.
For housekeeping reasons, Huduma Namba, as defined in the document, is a unique and permanent personal identification number randomly assigned to a resident individual enrolled in NIIMS.
The Huduma Card, on the other hand, contains the unique number and other personal details. The card may be issued to minors who have attained the age of 6 and Kenya adults.
There are two special Huduma cards: for refugees, and for foreign nationals.
The registration process adheres to the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2019, especially during the processing of personal data under the Act and rules.
The publication explains details about enrolment into NIIMS, and the process of reapplication if the card is lost.
Furthermore, the Act reveals that any government agencies that may rely on foundational data of residents to offer public services may be linked to the NIIMS database.
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Access to NIIMS will therefore enable the agency to ‘authenticate personal data in their possession with NIIMS database and transmit, access or retrieve foundational data necessary for proper discharge of the agency’s functions.’
Other particulars include update of particulars and proof of identity.
‘For the purpose of establishing proof of identity, the presentation of the Huduma card or the Huduma Namba authenticated by biometrics constitutes sufficient proof,’ reads the Act.
