Barely 24 hours to the closure of mass registration for Huduma Namba, economist David Ndii has mocked the exercise.
Ndii linked Huduma Namba to the colonial passbook, famously known as Kipande, imposed by the British colonial administration to control, and restrict movements of natives.
He said the number, which over 31 million Kenyans have already acquired, was reminiscent of the hated KANU membership card, which the dictatorial regime of retired President Daniel Arap Moi forced Kenyan adults to carry.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the Oxford University-trained economist noted that just like the Kipande and KANU card became outdated, Huduma Namba will also suffer the same fate.
"Huduma Namba is the reincarnation, by descendants of homeguards, of the colonial passbook (Kipande) our parents were, and KANU card we were forced to carry. It will soon go into bonfires like its precursors," Ndii posted.
His remarks come at a time Kenyans have been in a rush to register for the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) ahead of Saturday's deadline.
The rush which has resulted to long queues in registration centres has been led by government's announcement not to extend the listing period.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has repeatedly warned that citizens without Huduma Namba may have difficulties in accessing government services.