<p>In summary:</p>
<p>The state wasted taxpayers money to purchase a bogus Huduma Number system.</p>
<p>The acquired system was outdated hence not able to store data for a long period.</p>
<p>Millions of Kenyan’s data at stake due to breached security loopholes.</p>
<p>An expert witness has told the high court that Kenyans are not guaranteed security in as far as their data is concerned.</p>
<p>Anand Venkatanatayan, an IT guru who was testifying against the Kenyan Government on a case filed to challenge the Huduma Number project told the court that personal e-mails among other highly sensitive data are under threat.</p>
<p><strong>HUDUMA NUMBER INCONSISTENCIES</strong></p>
<p>Anand further cited inconsistencies in Huduma Number results for different people. The system has got a major loophole whereby it produces two different results for the same person.</p>
<p>This is the same hitch experienced in India where a similar project failed to bear fruit.</p>
<p>Kenya’s NIIMIS is similar to that of India Aadhaar which is highly vulnerable to numerous leaks.</p>
<p><strong>HACKING</strong><br />
The key witness also suggested that the Huduma Number project will present numerous avenues and opportunities for hackers who would like to mint cash from the Kenyan government.</p>
<p>He suggests that when it comes to computer security, nothing is impregnable especially when hoarding of data is involved.</p>
<p>Centralized system such as NIIMIS and Aadhaar (India) hoard too much data that attracts hackers.</p>
<p>According to him, the infrastructure used to construct the Huduma Number system is weak and prone to leaks.</p>
<p>Anand is not arguing from a point of ignorance. He is an expert in cybersecurity and computer forensic analysis.</p>
<p>Besides, he has got enough working experience which is the more reason why his views should not be ignored.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, no law can shield the system from anomalies and possible hacks.</p>
<p><strong>HUDUMA NUMBER PROJECT</strong><br />
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the project in Machakos County in April this year.</p>
<p>Its main aim was to capture biometric data, identification documents, KRA numbers, NSSF, emails, National identification and NHIF details just to mention a few.</p>
<p>The witness claims that the collection of personal data was uncalled for since it will neither curb falsification of documents nor ease access to government services.</p>
<p>He also added that NIIMIS will not stop resemblance between individuals.<br />
Also, human features tend to change over time. If a person ages then his or her features are likely to alter.</p>
<p><strong>BIOMETRICS</strong><br />
The rationale behind NIIMIS system in Kenya is to prevent duplication of sensitive documents like national identification cards.</p>
<p>However, this objective may not be met given that biometrics is susceptible to change.</p>
<p>Both Kenya and India’s systems emanate from OT Morpho. So if India’s case is anything to go by, then our system is also deemed to fail.</p>
<p><strong>IMMORTALITY</strong><br />
Anand further suggested that the NIIMIS system can only succeed if all factors remain constant-immortality.</p>
<p>This is, however, a nearly impossible condition given that the iris and fingerprints cannot remain the same throughout one’s lifetime.</p>
<p>`<br />
Other dangers posed by NIIMIS include profiling and manipulation of children and perpetuation of modern-day colonization.</p>

