The government has set the ball rolling on the recruitment of agents ahead of the registration of Kenyans into a single identification database.

In a letter addressed to County Commissioners, Interior PS Amos Gathecha said assistant chiefs, who are the registration officers in their areas, have until August 3 to submit the names of five enumerators of the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS).

Gathecha said priority will be given to people who have worked as IEBC clerks as they have experience in operating biometric devices.

Those who want to be enumerators must be computer literate, aged 18-35, be residents of the wards they wish to work in, have KCSE level education with a minimum grade of C-, and be of good conduct. They should be available from August to November 2018.

Individuals who are fluent in their local native language have an added advantage. Candidates are expected to submit original IDs, academic and professional certificates as well as certificates of good conduct.

Furthermore, successful candidates must take the confidentiality oath before beginning the registration.

The PS said the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) will ease access to data. It will be the “primary database and single source of truth for personal registration data” on all Kenyans and foreigners in the country.

Crucial documents such as birth and school certificates, driving licences, Kenya Revenue Authority PIN certificates and passports will all be accessed at the touch of a button.

“The initiative is aimed at consolidating population registration information into a single database for ease of verification by both government and private bodies,” ICT CS Joe Mucheru said.

The agencies include the KRA, National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Registration for the NIIMS has been set for October and November.