Kenyans living abroad, particularly those residing in the United States, have long been facing delays in the issuance of National Identity cards. This situation has caused frustration for many in the diaspora who rely on these cards for various official purposes, such as accessing government services or processing passports. Recently, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi provided a detailed explanation on the matter while responding to questions from the Senate plenary, shedding light on the root causes of these delays and the steps the government is taking to address them.
The Role of the e-Citizen Platform
One of the primary challenges identified by Mudavadi relates to the e-Citizen platform, a government digital service that allows Kenyans to access a wide range of services, including the application for National IDs. While this system has improved access for citizens within Kenya, it has posed difficulties for those living in foreign countries, especially the United States.
Mudavadi highlighted a key issue faced by Kenyans abroad: the One-Time Pin (OTP) system. This security feature, which requires applicants to receive a code on their phone to log into the platform, often fails when foreign phone numbers are used. In particular, many Kenyans in the US register using their American phone numbers, which has made it challenging for the system to send OTPs to them. This has been a significant stumbling block in the ID application process.
“Some of the challenges that have occasioned delays include the following: issuance of registration on e-Citizen, where the system sometimes rejects foreign numbers, where the One-Time Password has to be sent to the particular phone number used for the registration,” Mudavadi explained.
Workaround with Email Option
Recognizing the challenge posed by the OTP issue, Mudavadi mentioned that the government is now advising Kenyans in the diaspora to use the email option when registering on the e-Citizen platform. Unlike phone numbers, emails do not face the same geographic restrictions, making it a more reliable way for applicants to receive necessary verification codes.
“We are now sensitizing the Diaspora to use the email option,” he said, emphasizing that this workaround could significantly reduce the delays caused by the phone number issue.
This solution is a simple yet effective way to streamline the process for Kenyans abroad, particularly in the US, and reflects the government’s efforts to address these challenges in a practical manner.
Manual Processing and Staffing Issues
Beyond the technical challenges with the e-Citizen platform, Mudavadi also pointed to the manual nature of the ID card issuance process as a significant factor contributing to the delays. Unlike some other government processes that have been digitized, the issuance of National IDs still requires manual verification by the National Registration Bureau (NRB). This manual process introduces several bottlenecks, particularly when it comes to applications submitted from abroad.
Mudavadi explained that the process involves verification from the NRB, and in cases where there are discrepancies or clarifications needed, the request must go through the Kenyan embassy or mission. These missions, many of which are understaffed, then have to reach out to the applicants to resolve the issues, which adds to the delays.
“The processing of ID cards is entirely manual, and verification of applications has to be done by the National Registration Bureau. This causes a bit of delay, especially at missions that are not well-staffed. In addition, in the event of queries, the request has to be channeled back to the Mission to seek clarity from the applicant,” Mudavadi explained.
Impact of Staffing Levels at Kenyan Missions
The under-staffing of Kenyan missions abroad, particularly in the United States, has exacerbated the delays in the ID issuance process. With fewer personnel to handle the influx of applications, the missions struggle to keep up with demand. This staffing shortage is not just limited to processing new applications but also affects the ability to follow up on queries and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Mudavadi acknowledged that increasing the capacity of these missions would be a key step in addressing the delays. However, he also noted that this would require additional resources and planning from the government.
The Maisha Number and Court Case
Another factor contributing to the delays in ID issuance is the ongoing court case related to the new Maisha Number initiative. The Maisha Number, a unique identification number intended to streamline the issuance of government services, has faced legal challenges that have slowed down its implementation.
Mudavadi noted that the court case caused a temporary halt in the production of new IDs, further compounding the delays experienced by Kenyans in the US. However, he assured the Senate that the process had resumed following a resolution of the case and that production had returned to normal.
Addressing Non-Collection of IDs
In addition to the delays in processing new applications, Mudavadi highlighted another issue: the non-collection of processed ID cards by applicants. He cited cases where Kenyans in the diaspora had applied for IDs, which were subsequently processed, but were not collected by the applicants. In some instances, the IDs were sent to incorrect addresses provided by the applicants, leading to their return.
“The Prime CS highlighted a case of eight individuals who applied for IDs, which were processed, but when they were sent to addresses they had given, the IDs got returned because they were the wrong addresses,” Mudavadi said.
This issue further underscores the need for better communication between the applicants and the missions, as well as the importance of providing accurate and up-to-date contact information during the application process.
Government Mitigation Measures
In response to the question raised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Mudavadi outlined several steps the government is taking to mitigate the situation. Beyond encouraging the use of email for OTP verification, the government is working on streamlining the manual verification process by increasing the capacity of the National Registration Bureau and the Kenyan missions abroad.
There are also efforts underway to address the staffing shortages at these missions, although this will take time to implement. In the meantime, the government is focusing on improving communication with applicants to ensure that they are aware of any issues with their applications and can provide the necessary clarifications promptly.
Mudavadi’s response highlighted the complexity of the ID issuance process for Kenyans living abroad and the various challenges that contribute to the delays. However, his remarks also underscored the government’s commitment to addressing these issues and improving the experience for diaspora applicants.
Looking Ahead
As the government continues to refine the e-Citizen platform and address the staffing challenges at Kenyan missions abroad, it is likely that the delays in ID issuance for Kenyans in the US will gradually decrease. The use of email for OTP verification, in particular, represents a simple yet impactful solution that could significantly streamline the process for many applicants.
However, long-term improvements will require a more comprehensive overhaul of the manual verification process, as well as increased resources for both the National Registration Bureau and the Kenyan missions abroad. As Mudavadi’s remarks suggest, the government is aware of these challenges and is taking steps to address them, but it will take time before these efforts fully bear fruit.
In the meantime, Kenyans in the US and other parts of the diaspora will need to remain patient and proactive in ensuring that their applications are completed accurately and that they provide the correct contact information to avoid further delays.
