Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has addressed concerns raised by religious people over the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) registrations.
Speaking during the first day of the pilot programme, the PS dispelled concerns that the Huduma Namba is the Biblical 666, mark of the beast.
The superstitious remarks were raised after the government announced that citizens would not be able to access government services without the number.
“A person without Huduma Number will not access government services including registration or renewal or replacement of National Identification Card; Application for a Passport; Application or renewal for driving license, Birth certificate; Application for NHIF, NSSF; Enroll for cash transfer for the elderly, subsidized farm inputs and other cash services under the Big 4 agenda like affordable housing among others,” read a part of the statement in regards to the new system.
Blood Samples, DNA not required for Niims
The PS further allayed worries by disclosing that blood and DNA samples would not be required for registration.
He explained that the government will only require citizens to produce identification documents for the registration.
The registration process will be taking place in 15 counties for the next five days after which the overall performance of the trial will be weighed to determine its success and pitfalls.
Government officials in the counties have urged citizens to turn up for the testing phase of the programme.