Queues as Kenyans in Diaspora Rush to Beat Huduma Namba Deadline

Kenyans are known to love the last minute rush, and those living in the diaspora are not exempted from this uncanny habit as witnessed in the ongoing Huduma Namba registration drive.

Kenya’s embassy in Washington, US, has in the past few days been jammed with Kenyans who are seeking to register for the Huduma Namba ahead of the 20^th June deadline.

Kenyans queuing at the Kenyan Embassy in the US have had to travel for long distances to register for the National Integrated Identity Management System, popularly known as Huduma Namba.

READ ALSO: The Huduma Namba: What You Need to Know

Huduma Namba Registration Process

To register for Huduma Namba, a Kenyan in the diaspora is required to first download an online form, complete it and then appear in person for biometrics capture at their closest Kenyan embassy or consulate.

If registering children over six years, one is required to take the child/children with them as they too will be required to have their biometrics captured.

Registration Points in the US

For Kenyans seeking to register for the Huduma Namba in the US, one is required to visit the embassy in Washington, DC and its satellite consulates in Los Angeles, California and New York.

Long Queues

Kenyans in the US have complained of long queues with many saying they have had to factor in huge accommodation expenses in Washington as the process is taking them between two and three days.

Kenyans also complained of what they termed as poor organization and lack of adequate human resources which is pushing personnel handling Huduma Namba to also handle registration of e-passports.

Given the estimated number of Kenyans registered for the Huduma Namba versus the number of Kenyans living in the US, it is likely that a large number of people will miss out on the exercise.

A majority of those registering are in a rush to do so not because they are convinced of the process but because the Government has on numerous occasions threatened to withdraw basic services to the citizens.

READ ALSO: No Passport without Huduma Namba – Government