Jamii Namba children pilot set for rollout

DODOMA: THE government has completed preparations for a pilot programme to issue unique identification numbers (Jamii Namba) to children from birth, with the numbers set to appear on birth certificates in three districts.

Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Kaspar Mmuya told the National Assembly yesterday that the pilot programme will be conducted in Rungwe, Kilolo and Unguja South districts once legal arrangements are completed.

Mr Mmuya said this on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs while responding to a basic question from Mahonda MP, Othman Maulid Seleiman (CCM), who wanted to know whether the government plans to include National Identification Authority (NIDA) numbers on birth certificates instead of waiting until they reach the age of 18.

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The Deputy Minister said the government recognises the importance of having a single identification number for every citizen from birth to death in order to strengthen identification systems and maintain proper records of vital events. He said President Samia Suluhu Hassan has already directed NIDA to issue a unique identification number, known as Jamii Namba, to all people living in the country from the birth day.

“The number will be included on birth certificates and used for identification when accessing various social and economic services from both public and private institutions,” he noted.

Mr Mmuya stated that the government was currently amending the Registration and Identification of Persons Act to enable registration and identification from birth and facilitate issuance of the Jamii Namba. He said that the government also plans to integrate the functions of NIDA and RITA to improve efficiency and reduce inconvenience for citizens seeking similar services from different institutions.

The deputy minister added that implementation of the programme is expected to begin immediately after completion of the legal reforms.