Government to Switch Off SIM Cards for Those Without Huduma Namba

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has said that it will switch off SIM cards belonging to those Kenyans who will not have registered for Huduma Namba by the time the exercise comes to an end.

CA Director General Francis Wangusi has put Kenyans on notice saying that there would be dire consequences for those who will fail to register for the seemingly controversial service.

Among the punitive measures, CA says it will impose include inability for one to use a phone in making calls, sending texts, access to M-Pesa, Airtel Money as well as ATM withdrawals.

According to Wangusi, the Commission is “serious about the issue” and said that they will direct all the service providers to help them deactivate all SIMs belong to people who will have not registered.

He says that the “state will not renege on its resolve and purpose to promote digital listing” in a move that is likely to get Kenyans by surprise.

The government has given Kenyans the next 45 days to ensure that they are enlisted with Huduma Namba or “there shall be consequences.”

Many Kenyans are opposed to the Huduma Namba drive with the Kenya National Human Rights having moved to court to have the exercise stopped.

The court declined to stop the exercise but warned the government against forcing anyone to register for it or denying anyone government services.