Concerns Over Uncollected IDs Prompt Government Appeal

Thika: The Kenyan government has issued a call to action urging citizens to collect over 190,000 unclaimed identity cards, 60,000 driving licenses, and 55,000 birth certificates currently languishing at Huduma Centres across the nation. Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Justin Muturi, highlighted the growing backlog during his visit to the Huduma Centre in Thika, stressing the importance of these documents for accessing essential services and government programs. According to Kenya News Agency, Muturi emphasized that Huduma Centres are meant to serve as service points rather than storage facilities. He noted that the accumulation of uncollected documents places an undue burden on service providers and could potentially hinder individuals from taking advantage of government opportunities. Despite efforts by Huduma Centre staff to contact applicants, many have not responded or collected their documents. Muturi urged applicants to take responsibility for retrieving their documents, commending Huduma Centre workers for their dedication and high-quality service amidst these challenges. He also announced government plans to expand Huduma Centre services to grassroots levels, with interest from MPs to establish additional service points in their constituencies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery and ensure accessibility for all Kenyans. The CS rated the performance of Huduma Centres at 80 percent, acknowledging their efficiency despite existing challenges.