Earlier in the month, the government tabled a bill in the National assembly to make Huduma Namba compulsory without which citizens could not access a number of government services.

The proposals in the document named, Huduma Bill 2019, caused controversy as many viewed them as avenues for the government to deny crucial services to its citizens.

As is the procedure for any bill awaiting approval by the National Assembly and assenting by the President to become law, the proposal piece of legislation will have to undergo the mandatory public participation process.

Keeping with the constitutional requirement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, announced dates where the public could present their views and proposals on the bill.

“The Cabinet Secretary is calling for views and proposals from members of the general public and any concerned stakeholders, for consideration in finalization of the draft bill.

“The Ministry has organised an open public forum for public participation on Wednesday 31st July, 2019 (between 9 a.m and 1 p.m) at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete campus, off Lower Kabete Road,” a statement from the Ministry read.

Additionally, views and memoranda can be submitted through the following email address: [email protected].

The Ministry stated that the bill was developed to address the modern challenges faced in registration systems, harmonise and consolidate registration laws. 

“The government has undertaken an extensive review of laws and policies that govern the registration of persons and other related processes that were in some instances enacted before our independence in 1963,” a statement further read.

The bill is available as Ministries of Interior, ICT and Huduma Namba websites.

Views and memoranda can also be sent in an envelope marked “Public Participation on Huduma Bill, 2019” addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interiors and Coordination of National Government.

Written memoranda can also be submitted to the following offices:

1. Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Offices at Harambee House 4th Floor,

2. Any Deputy County Commissioner’s Offices in the Huduma Namba Secretariat, 20th Floor, Teleposta Towers.

All views should reach the Cabinet Secretary not later than 5th August 2019.