Huduma Namba is set to replace the current Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) personal identification number (PIN) if a new bill sails through.
The Huduma Namba Bill, 2021 seeks to amend the Tax Procedure Act to make the Huduma Namba biometric ID the key number for identifying taxpayers in a move aimed at nabbing tax cheats.
Should MPs adopt the proposed law, children with Huduma Namba IDs will automatically be listed as taxpayers upon hitting 18 years and will be required to start filing annual tax returns irrespective of their income or employment status.
Business Daily reports that the amendment is part of KRA’s efforts to net in more taxpayers as it grows its revenue streams in a bid to meet collection targets. “Huduma Namba assigned to an individual under the Huduma Act, 2021 shall serve as PIN for the purpose of tax law,” the bill reads in part.
Under the proposed law, newborns and kids who have been listed in the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) will be issued a certificate of birth containing a Huduma Namba which shall be used for filing tax returns upon attaining the requisite age.
“On completion of initial enrolment of resident individuals under the Huduma Act, the Commissioner (KRA) shall activate tax obligation of every resident individual above the age of eighteen years not registered as a taxpayer,” the bill adds.
Further to this, Huduma Namba ID will be used in an official capacity such as marriage, access to government services, and hospitals. In the year to June 2021, the number of taxpayers who filed returns stood at 5.5 million while official data shows that Kenyans above 18 years are 25.64 million.
At least 37 million Kenyans, including 20 million adults and 17 million minors, registered for Huduma Namba during the first mass listing exercise in 2019.
Last year, the government said the current national identity cards would be phased out by December 2021, and replaced by Huduma Cards. Huduma Namba is described as the single source of personal identification for Kenyans, and persons resident in Kenya.
20 million adults and 17…
20 million adults and 17 million children signed up for Huduma number?
IN KENYA?? KENYA!
A full audit needs to be done.
They want Huduma Number to…
They want Huduma Number to be like the Social Security number used in America.
Kenya is not advanced like America.
America is a very advanced country.
I think it is a step in the…
I think it is a step in the right direction if the system is used well beyond the idea of taxation. Governors will find it nearly impossible to hire non-traceable ghost employees.
Guesty, it couldn’t have…
Guesty, it couldn’t have been said any better. Kenya is many decades financially and just cause SSN works in US doesn’t mean it will work in s**t hole. In US there a few thugs who game the system and avoid paying taxes and when they are caught they pay a steep price. In Kenya? There are many and never go anywhere…what jail
Kenyans just don’t have…
Kenyans just don’t have money.
You cannot tax nothing.
Americans have plenty of jobs. That’s why they are able to pay taxes.
Taxing Kenyans more to fund…
Taxing Kenyans more to fund the fancy lifestyle of king of China. When you have a billionaire president who’s never had to rely on a job for daily living you get this pain. Multi national are evading tax in billions
KFA was Changed to KGGCU to…
KFA was Changed to KGGCU to cover the Corrupt late?Ruben CHESIRE. And this KRA change may to Cover the seemingly Corrupt old? MUTHAURA.
If 254 must copy American…
If 254 must copy American system of Social security number they had better copy and paste everything. Attaining age 18yrs is not a qualification for filing tax returns anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact most 18 yrs old are in college or just finished high school. Uncle Sam doesn’t tax people with age he do so by income and not every income require a tax return people making under a certain amount don’t even have to file taxes in the US. Those who have over paid get a refund. Come on be realistic and don’t just keep on replacing this with that. Create jobs first nkt!
You guys wake up If Kenya is…
You guys wake up If Kenya is have quality economic development and services then tax needs to be paid promptly.