You’ve braved the Nairobi traffic, found parking, and queued at the Huduma Centre, only to be told, “Hii service haipatikani hapa.” Sound familiar? While Huduma Centres have been a game-changer, they don’t handle everything. Wasting a trip is frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight schedule.
This list saves you that hassle. We break down the key services you still cannot get at any Huduma Centre across Kenya and, most importantly, give you the exact, practical places to go instead. No fluff, just direct info you can use today.
1. Vehicle Inspection
Need a fresh inspection for your car renewal? The Huduma Centre is not your stop. While you can pay for your renewal there, the mandatory vehicle inspection must be done first at a designated centre.
This is a common point of confusion. You must get the inspection certificate from an authorized garage before heading to Huduma to complete the process.
Where to Go Instead:
- Authorized Inspection Centres (AICS): Places like DT Dobie, CMC, or smaller branded garages across towns. Expect to pay KES 1,000 – 1,500 for the inspection.
- NTSA Offices: For original logbook collection, duplicate logbooks, or complex transfer queries, you often need to visit the NTSA headquarters on Upper Hill Road, Nairobi, or their regional offices.
2. Kenya Power (KPLC) New Connections & Fault Reporting
If your lights are out or you’re applying for a new electricity connection, don’t queue at Huduma. Kenya Power services at Huduma are limited to bill payments and token purchases only.
For anything requiring technical staff—like fault fixes, meter issues, or new connections—you must engage directly with your local KPLC office or use their official channels.
Where to Go Instead:
- Your Local KPLC County Office: Find the one serving your area. For instance, in Nairobi, the Stima Plaza on Ngong Road is a major hub.
- Call 97711 or 0703 070 707: This is the fastest way to report a fault or follow up on a connection.
- Use the USSD *977# for some basic services.
3. Full Immigration Services (Passports & Visas)
Here’s the big one. You cannot apply for or collect a Kenyan passport at a Huduma Centre. They only handle the eCitizen payment part after you’ve completed your online application.
The biometric capture, interview, and collection are all done at designated Immigration offices. This is a strict security and procedural requirement.
Where to Go Instead:
- Nyayo House, Nairobi: The main headquarters for most passport services.
- Regional Immigration Offices: In Mombasa (Makadara), Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Your application is tied to the centre you select during the online process.
- Pro Tip: Book your appointment online via eCitizen early. During the dry season (Jan-March, July-Oct), appointments get snapped up fast as people plan travel.
4. Firearms Licencing
Applying for a firearm license? Huduma Centres are not involved. These are highly sensitive security matters handled directly by the National Police Service.
Where to Go Instead:
- Police Clearance Certificate: Apply on the eCitizen portal, pay, then book an appointment for fingerprinting at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road or a designated police station.
- Firearms Licencing: This is processed through the Firearms Licencing Board at the National Police Service headquarters. It’s a lengthy process involving your local OCS, a vetting committee, and the central board.
5. Court-Related Services (Filing Cases, Clearances)
Huduma Centres cannot help you file a civil or criminal case, check on a court proceeding, or get a letter from a magistrate. The judiciary maintains its own separate ecosystem.
Thinking you can resolve a land dispute or a traffic fine from the court at Huduma is a dead end. You must go to the specific court handling your matter.
Where to Go Instead:
- The Court Station Where Your Case is Filed: For example, Milimani Law Courts for many Nairobi cases, or your local county law courts.
- E-filing System: For civil cases, you can initiate the process via the judiciary’s e-filing portal, but physical appearances are often still required.
- Advocate/Process Server: For legal matters, it’s best to engage a lawyer who knows the specific court procedures and registry locations.
6. County Government-Specific Permits
This is a major area of confusion. While Huduma Centres offer some national services, many county-specific business permits and licenses are not available.
If your business is located in Nairobi, you deal with Nairobi City County. If it’s in Mombasa, you deal with Mombasa County. Their systems are not fully integrated into the Huduma model.
Where to Go Instead:
- Your County Government’s Revenue Office: For a Nairobi business signage permit or a Mombasa food handler’s certificate, go directly to the county offices. For Nairobi, that’s often City Hall Annex.
- Single Business Permit (SBP): While application can start online, the final approval, inspection, and collection often require a visit to your county offices. Don’t assume Huduma has it.
- Market Stall Allocations: Controlled entirely by the county’s trade office in your specific ward.
The Kenyan Reality: Navigating “Where To” with Cost & Transport
Knowing the right office is half the battle. The other half is getting there efficiently and knowing what it’ll cost. Let’s talk real Kenyan logistics.
For example, getting a duplicate logbook from NTSA Upper Hill. From the CBD, a boda boda will charge you KES 200-300 one way, but be ready for traffic. An Uber/Taxi might be KES 400-600. Go early, before 9 AM, to avoid the worst queues. Carry a black pen, copies of your ID, and the old logbook if you have it.
For county permits, always call the specific county department first. A quick call to, say, Nakuru County Trade Office can save you a whole day’s trip if they tell you the system is down or the officer is in a meeting. Have small change (KES 50, 100 notes) for unexpected photocopy or facilitation fees at some of these offices—it’s just the reality on the ground.
During the long rains (March-May), factor in extra travel time. A trip from Thika Road to Nyayo House for a passport can take over two hours if it rains. Plan for it.
Conclusion
Huduma Centres are fantastic for streamlining many government services, but they aren’t a one-stop-shop. The key takeaway is to always verify the specific service you need against the official Huduma Centre website or a quick phone call before you make the journey.
Remember, for vehicle inspections, go to authorized garages. For passports, head to Immigration offices. For county permits, deal directly with your county government. Using this list saves you time, money, and the frustration of a wasted trip. Share this with a friend or family member to save them the hassle too!
