Coastal governors have welcomed President William Ruto’s decision to abolish additional vetting requirements for obtaining national identity cards, a move they described as a step toward equality and fairness for all Kenyans.
Governors from Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, and Taita Taveta counties expressed their support for the directive, emphasizing that the discriminatory vetting process had long marginalized residents of the Coast region. Speaking under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani umbrella, the governors reaffirmed their collective backing of the President’s directive, which they believe will allow more citizens to fully participate in national affairs.
“For decades, the Coast region has faced systemic marginalization in the issuance of crucial identification documents. These barriers have effectively disenfranchised our people, limiting their rightful participation in national affairs, including access to economic opportunities, education, and governance,” the governors said in a joint statement.
President Ruto signed a Presidential Proclamation on February 5, officially abolishing the vetting process that was previously required for residents of the North-eastern region. The move was met with approval not just in the North but also in other regions that had faced similar restrictions, including the Coast. Ruto termed the decision an end to “unjust and disenfranchising practices” and emphasized the need for national unity in identity registration.
“If it’s about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without any discrimination. We want the people of Northern Kenya to feel equal to the rest of the country,” Ruto declared while signing the proclamation at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town.
The Coast governors echoed these sentiments, stating that the decision aligns with constitutional principles of justice and inclusivity. They emphasized that ensuring every Kenyan has equal access to identification documents is a fundamental right and a crucial step toward strengthening democracy, enhancing security, and promoting inclusive development across the country.
In response to opposition from some leaders regarding the directive, the governors urged for a rational approach, highlighting that the decision is not about favoring any religious or ethnic group but rather about ensuring fairness for all citizens.
Governors supporting the directive include Gideon Maitha Mung’aro (Kilifi), Dhadho Gadda Godhana (Tana River), Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir (Mombasa), Issa Timamy (Lamu), Fatuma Mohamed Achani (Kwale), and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta). They called on all leaders to embrace the move as a way of fostering national unity and advancing equal rights for all Kenyans.
