Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has refuted claims that there was no public participation in the Huduma Namba project.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Radio Maisha’s Breakfast show Dr Matiang’i clarified that the project was subjected to public participation before it was presented to Parliament.
He revealed that several groups including religious organisations and the media had their input on the project before it was presented to Parliament for debate by MPs.
He said through public participation, the registration form was amended 22 times to come up with a draft that fits the interests of every Kenyan.
“Wajua tuna kasumba sisi kama Wakenya ya kwamba mradi wa kitaifa ukitokea hata kama tutazungumza miaka miwili ama mitatu, utampata mtu mwingine akisema yeye hakuhusishwa. Wajaua huu mpango ulianza miaka miwili iliyopita na tumehusisha makundi mbalimbali (We have a tendency as Kenyans of opposing government projects on grounds of lack of public participation even when consultations were done for two or three years. This project began two years ago and we have subjected it to public participation)," said Matiang’i.
He added that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been talking about how the government can make it easier for Kenyans to get services since he came into office in 2013.
While revealing that nine million Kenyans have so far registered for the Huduma Namba, Matiang’i said the project will save the government more than Sh20 billion.
He called on Kenyans to embrace the same and ensure they register before the 45 days lapse so as to help government in delivering services.
The CS, however, revealed that assistant chiefs will remain with the registration kits even after the 45 days to allow those who will have missed out to register.