Kwale: The government is intensifying efforts to register and issue national identity cards to citizens, aiming to improve access to essential services across the country. Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Immigrations and Citizen Services, announced that the initiative is now focusing on 15 previously underserved counties.
According to Kenya News Agency, the issuance of ID cards is crucial for accessing a range of services, including passports, the Social Health Authority, the Higher Education Loans Board, the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Project, and subsidized fertilizers for farmers. Dr. Kipsang emphasized the government's commitment to ending disenfranchisement in the ID card issuance process, particularly through the elimination of extra vetting procedures for residents of border counties. The move aims to ensure all Kenyan citizens, especially those in marginalized areas and the youth, have equal access to identification documents.
Dr. Kipsang highlighted that the ID card is vital for voting and employment, serving as the primary form of identification for registration and verification. The government has launched a mass national identity card registration drive in disadvantaged counties, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Tana River, Kilifi, and Kwale. Since President William Ruto eliminated the vetting process in 2024, there has been a notable increase in ID applications from marginalized communities, addressing long-standing discrimination and difficulties in obtaining these documents.
President Ruto's directive to remove mandatory vetting for ID applications in border and northeastern counties took effect in May 2024, ending discriminatory practices against these communities. Dr. Kipsang assured that the revised registration guidelines launched by the President on February 5, 2025, are being thoroughly implemented.
The PS also encouraged citizens to register as voters, highlighting national identification as a key factor in civic participation and inclusion in development programs. Speaking at a sensitization program for national government administration officials at Kwale Cultural Centre, Dr. Kipsang outlined the nationwide rollout of revised registration procedures, including the training of grassroots administrators to identify and verify eligible Kenyans.
The new guidelines have replaced the previous vetting mechanism with a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centered registration process. Innovations such as the e-Notification system and the Maisha Card enhance data security, reduce fraud, and promote accountability in service delivery. Dr. Kipsang was accompanied by key officials, including Director General E-Citizen Amb. Isaac Ochieng and Secretary National Registration Dr. Christopher Wanjau, during the announcement.
The government has also acquired 300 'live capture machines' to improve the efficiency of registration services. These portable devices electronically capture biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, in real time. Dr. Kipsang noted that this technology would help address bureaucratic and corrupt systems in the country by rolling out digital identity cards with enhanced security features.
Additionally, the government has waived the national identity card replacement fee to ensure no one is denied the opportunity to register as a voter in the ongoing voter registration drive ahead of the 2027 general elections.