NIIMS Kenya Registration: How to Apply, Get Huduma Number (Namba)

A guide on niims registration and how to get Huduma Number in Kenya

Every Kenyan Citizen will now be required to have a huduma number (Namba) issued through the NIIMS portal. This is applicable to every person residing in Kenya. Below is how to get your Huduma Number.

UPDATE: Here a guide on checking huduma card status online

A guide on niims registration and how to get Huduma Number in Kenya
A guide on niims registration and how to get Huduma Number in Kenya/Photo

What is NIIMS in Kenya?

NIIMS is a portal for registration of all Kenyan Citizens and foreigners within the country. The National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) is used to establish a master population register that will be the only single source of identify any person in Kenya. The process of NIIMS registration is done offline but the data is stored online and will be shared among different government agencies listed below.

After registration you will be issued with a Huduma number (namba). This however does not invalidate other registration processes like (Registration for ID or birth certificate). It only assists in issuing persons residing in Kenya with an identity number that will pinpoint them (you) across all sectors of government by just typing the number.

Function of NIIMS in Kenya

Now that we have provided a description of what niims is, here are its functions in brief;

  • To create and maintain national population in Kenya
  • To assign a unique national identification Huduma number to every person registered.
  • Help in issuance of national identification cards, foreigner certificates, births and death certificates, driving licenses, work permits, passports and foreign travel documentation, student identification cards and all other forms of government issued identification documentation

What is Huduma Number (Namba)?

Huduma Number (Namba) is a number provided through NIIMS registration that is the ‘source of truth’ of identity of all persons residing in Kenya. Unlike a national ID or birth certificate that is issued to only Kenyan Citizens, Huduma Number will be issued to all persons residing in Kenya, be it refugees or foreigners.

Is it Must to register at NIIMS for Huduma Number?

Yes, this is a must have. If you don’t have Huduma Namber, you will not be able to access government services including registration or renewal or replacement of National ID, Application for Passport, Application or renewal for driving license, Birth certificate e.tc

Huduma Number Registration Deadline

UPDATED: The New huduma Number registration deadline after extension by president Uhuru Kenyatta are;

  • Saturday 25th May 2019 for those Residing in Kenya
  • Thursday 20th June 2019 for Diaspora

NIIMS Registration Form Filling Details

The niims registration form will collect the following information from you during registration;

  • Bio data information
  • Nationality (Citizen, Foreigner, Dual Citizen)
  • Parent/ guardian details
  • Place of birth
  • Marital status
  • Education details
  • Employment status
  • Disability
  • Agricultural activities
  • Biometric details
  • Your Photo

Process of how your information is captured through NIIMS and stored

Below is step by step process on how your information is collected and stored;

  • STEP 1: You will fill in a hard copy  that contains your  bio data, biometrics and photos
  • STEP 2: This information is transferred to a registration kit that stores  captured data locally
  • STEP 3: At the end of  the day the information is uploaded to the server
  • STEP 4: The data is then the fed to the Huduma Namba Server and UPI is generated.

NOTE: Just like ID, when you apply for Huduma Number you are not given immediately. It will be generated after application.

Process of NIIMS Registration and issuance of Huduma Numbers
Process of NIIMS Registration and issuance of Huduma Numbers/Photo

Where will the Huduma Namber (Namba) be used?

The huduma namber (Namba) will be used for registration and processing of information in the following government departments;

  • NRB
  • CRD
  • Refugees Affairs
  • Immigration
  • NEMIS
  • NSSF
  • NHIF
  • IEBC
  • KNBS
  • NTS
  • Among others that we will list later

How to Register for Huduma Number through NIIMS

Registration for a NIIMS for Huduma Namba (Number) is currently not done online because you are required to present yourself physically. Go to your sub chief office or sub county office if you cannot locate any registration center near your (2017 Voting Centre). In Nairobi, go to the nearest place of residence chief’s office.

Huduma Centers are currently not registering for Huduma Number but we will update when they start.

Diaspora Huduma Number Registration

Huduma Namba registration begins on May 6th for a period of 45 days at Kenyan Embassies and Consulates for those in diaspora or out of the country.

Short Video on How Huduma Number Registration works

666 Beliefs in Kenya

Some of you have been linking 666 as mentioned in the bible and Huduma Number (update:check comment section below). You argue that the word “Huduma” and “Number” are all 6 letter words. All we can say that this is just a coincidence and has nothing to do with 666 concerns. Go get your Huduma Namba.

Huduma Card Collection

We have provided a detailed on where to collect your Huduma Number Card in Nairobi County.

UPDATE: Learn how to check huduma number collection status online

Huduma contacts and Official Details


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Do not miss all our latest updates on NIIMS Huduma Number registration

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91 responses

  1. GEOFFREY MAIKO Avatar
    GEOFFREY MAIKO

    What if you registered this thing using different tell number ______________

  2. Abdiaziz Avatar

    Kindly if I lost my number of which I have registered huduma number how can I get my huduma number or how can I get my huduma numbers message since I don’t have that number

  3. alex wanyoike Avatar
    alex wanyoike

    Am still doubting whether, our personal information is secure from internal or external hackers. If KRA, Safaricom being the largest government parastatals were hacked what about this digital registration.

  4. washington omondi aimba Avatar
    washington omondi aimba

    what if I have forgotten some of my indedity card numbers

    1. Pleas my dear how can get my hudum number

  5. DUKE NYAKUNDI Avatar
    DUKE NYAKUNDI

    what if you have a pasport and nhif card and you didnt include durindg the registration of huduma number/?

  6. Victor langat Avatar
    Victor langat

    I want to be registered in huduma

  7. Erick Avatar

    if your ID card got lost and you are not in Kenya what will do

    1. Erick Avatar

      if your ID card got lost what will I do to get huduma number and deadline is over

    2. Just use your passport only. It is enough.

  8. Njeri Avatar

    What documents must I carry to register, and can a passport suffice if I lost my ID?

    1. Yes, a passport alone is enough to get you registered.

  9. CHELANGA ALFRED Avatar
    CHELANGA ALFRED

    How to i know my huduma number after registration

    1. You are only given an acknowledgement slip…Huduma Numba will be issued later.

  10. Nicodemus Mutisya Avatar
    Nicodemus Mutisya

    I kindly request to be explained on how to fill Huduma number since am in Tanzania and am far from the Kenyan embassy,and the duration which is given for 45 days, I won’t have gone to Dar Es Salaam for i am in school, so is it possible for me to fill online then on reaching to embassy i submit the forms by July. help please for we are around 15 kenyans in the institution i am.

    1. You cannot fill online. Your finger prints are needed.

  11. Jackline Avatar
    Jackline

    Im a Kenyan but I work in darlesalam where do I go to apply here?

  12. Janet akoth Avatar
    Janet akoth

    How can I correct any error that occurred during the huduma namba registration

  13. Elizabeth Atieno Avatar
    Elizabeth Atieno

    Is there any simple way we can be registered as an organization? i mean can we get huduma number clerk to register us in our institution? located at KIE opposite Malindi Airport

  14. Daniel Githinji Avatar
    Daniel Githinji

    What am I supposed to carry with me when I go to register for huduma number?

    1. ID if you have one

  15. kelvin Nyambaso Avatar
    kelvin Nyambaso

    I think this is the best way the government will capture the ghost workers in the country congulation Mr President.

  16. Sharon Tanui Avatar
    Sharon Tanui

    Why is huduma no not given in diaspora. Israel to be precise

  17. Kyalo Mbatha Avatar
    Kyalo Mbatha

    The similarity with 666 is that you will not be able to buy and sell without the no, therefore, let us just conclude that it is a necessary evil because it will make governance easier and services faster. It makes a lot of sense for now as far as I am concerned, saitan or no saitan. After all most countries in the world have something more or less similar.

  18. The government could have finished the so called huduma namba registration if it were online process.
    #It’s a digital country yawa !!!!!!

    1. LUSWETLUSWETI Avatar
      LUSWETLUSWETI

      When are the Kenyans in the diaspora especially in France ,getting their huduma cards!

      1. As at 24th January 2021, Huduma cards are only available for Nairobi County residents: https://kenyayote.co.ke/where-to-collect-huduma-number-card-specific-office-location/

  19. Another way to increase corruption. Kitu kidogo will be a must!

  20. Emmanuel Omondi Avatar
    Emmanuel Omondi

    how is huduma number related with the CRB?

  21. Emmanuel Omondi Avatar
    Emmanuel Omondi

    how is huduma number related with the CRB

  22. why can’t i just apply online? it cant be that complicated..

  23. William Avatar

    Yes good idea to our digitalised country ! Wow??

  24. After you’ve registered,how long does it take to get your Huduma No.?

    1. As at now it is 40 days…but days may reduce in future as the number of people registering reduce.

    2. My girlfriend made the registration but she got no paper. How she can get now her number?

  25. N if a person does not ave I’d card…..whats he or she will use to register…..

  26. Philip Oscen Avatar
    Philip Oscen

    Are tourists currently in kenya included in this registration?

  27. Abdiaziz Mohamed abdulle Avatar
    Abdiaziz Mohamed abdulle

    We need to register for huduma namba online Because we are away from country

    1. You can register at the Embassy or Consulate

  28. Do you have a sample or design of how the card will look like?

  29. warda waithera murathe Avatar
    warda waithera murathe

    There are some people who have never got an ID but they have orginal birthcertificate will this huduma number help them eg Askari kuwashika?

  30. Herman Oduor Avatar
    Herman Oduor

    my question is,how much does it cost to register and which techniques are using to ensure that this information reaches people living in rural areas and marginal areas where communication gadgets are difficult to find?

    1. The need to have the Huduma Number just like ID will make everyone even in the rural areas to eventually have it.

  31. Ancent Avatar

    where can i download the form

  32. Introduce this online

  33. Peter Gee Avatar
    Peter Gee

    It is quite unclear from press reports if all foreigners, of which many are NOT in the list below, have to register or not: For example from a Local Daily yesterday “Non-citizens will as well be registered, have to produce their passports. However, only foreigners with the status of workers, students, stateless and asylum seekers will be required to register. ”
    It would be useful if an authoritative government website was available so the veracity of this can be checked. hudumanumba.go.ke is useless on this matter

    1. Sorry for that. If you are in Nairobi kindly visit the nearest chief’s office.

  34. Nelson Avatar

    Hi just been clear this comment is not official but key things to carry were the copies of (Personal, parents and spouses IDs if married, birth certificates, NHIF, NSSF, KRA pin, Passport, Driving licence for some fields having the numbers might apply) the other things are the excert location of birth and current location of residence , after the county goverment was introduced the locations have slightly changed it would be important to note the excert locations before going to apply. Not all requirment are included please add the missing info

    1. Thanks for your update.

  35. sybil mmaitsi Avatar
    sybil mmaitsi

    those who are out of the country must they travel back to register?

    1. There is an update about the same in the post above

  36. isaac ongera Avatar
    isaac ongera

    After getting this huduma number card is their need to be carrying ID cards again?

    1. There are some places where your ID will still be needed.

    2. Colman Shikunyi Avatar
      Colman Shikunyi

      So much ado of working towards a single document and reducing the total number of documents when legislation remains unchanged
      1/The only valid document for travel is a passport huduma number will only be a Kenyan document.
      2/The traffic act Cap 403:36 Production of a driving licence on demand failure to which you are guilty of an offence.
      3/No time frame is set on when the database is to be clean hence the commencement of the validity of the huduma number document.
      4/After registration when do you get a valid operational huduma number card ?

  37. EMMANUEL NYAWADE ODAWO Avatar
    EMMANUEL NYAWADE ODAWO

    May the steps for registration be followed as they are dictated in huduma namba registration guide lines where the work force are required to fill the hard copy and then the details captured in this hard copy form entered into the huduma namba registration digital device and not the other way round where I witnessed that your details are entered in the digital machine and the data entered is then used to fill the huduma registration forms this will help in capturing accurate data about individuals and no errors will be fed in the system

  38. Meshack O.Teyie Avatar
    Meshack O.Teyie

    Kindly do we have a huduma application because it was said you can download and fill on-line?

    1. We are not aware of such information. What we know is that you are required to present yourself.

  39. Anthony Avatar
    Anthony

    A downloadable form would help to look-for and capture the required data which would safe a lot of time at the registration centre.

  40. Rosemary Avatar
    Rosemary

    Why is Taita-taveta not in the system- I went to register but we looked and it was not there.

  41. what if u were just friend with the partiner ed get child ed he /she assit in raising up the kid is he ,marriage/divorce /single or separate?

  42. stephen Oduor Avatar
    stephen Oduor

    why have you not put the registration in the internet please,,,,,,its easier for someone to register in internet

  43. What about those Kenyans register as refugee mistakenly or for drought issue

  44. hesbon Avatar

    build up to that number !!!!!!!!!!!

  45. We wellcome this digitalized registrations systems.

  46. Gillie Avatar

    does that huduma number looks like Id ? or a number given so that u gram?

  47. Jasan Wairagu Avatar
    Jasan Wairagu

    Where is the Huduma registration being done in Buruburu?

    1. Visit your nearest government center

  48. paul karogo Avatar
    paul karogo

    meaning one has to travel to his home county for huduma namba registration?

    1. Check with your embassy whether there is a registration center there.

  49. Philip Ligare Avatar
    Philip Ligare

    I think the government is doing the process but issue with marital status wolololo ni noma

    1. Haha! Philip it is either you are married or not. Hapa hakuna kuhepa.

  50. Francis Avatar

    Is this a way of giving each everyone no which is profecied in Bible no 666

    1. No letter From God falls, it must be fulfilled in any way. some day soon some how it will happen.

  51. Huduma namba Kwa huduma Bora….count me in all the best?

  52. How does one get this services working out of the country please

    1. There is an update about the same in the post above

  53. Joseph kilonzi Avatar
    Joseph kilonzi

    Make it an online
    Kenya is a bit digital than analog

    1. Francis Avatar
      Francis

      I agree.
      Bulk of the requirements I see can be done online for those who can. This would help save time to be served when one presents himself/herself for verification and pending onsite registration drills.

  54. We have Alien IDs for foreigners…. NTSA and KRA have all my records “including my mother’s maiden name”… What non sense is this? We have more pressing needs that the 6B can go towards…

    1. It might be nonsense, but when you go to Rome, just do what Romans do, this is not your country

    2. New Non sense and keeps adding on 🙂

    3. Follow the nonsense and don’t be a nuisance lest you get the consequences in future

  55. ruto laban Avatar
    ruto laban

    is there any charges required in applying for niims?

  56. FIDEL BETT Avatar
    FIDEL BETT

    how to apply Nhif off line

      1. Where should I get my huduma number?

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