The Kenyan government has introduced three new guidelines to streamline the vetting process for issuing identification cards (IDs) in border regions. This move comes after public concern following the initial announcement that the vetting process in these areas had been abolished. The new measures aim to enhance transparency while maintaining national security.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that the guidelines are designed to eliminate the historical discrimination that residents of Northern Kenya and other border counties have faced for over six decades. The vetting process will now include a “family tree” approach to verify an applicant’s lineage and confirm their Kenyan nationality.
Additionally, local administrators, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, will be equipped with electronic devices to capture biometric data of applicants. This technological intervention is expected to make the process more efficient and reduce reliance on manual verification methods. Furthermore, registration will be conducted in schools, with teachers playing a role in verifying applicants’ identities.
“These guidelines ensure that we are not opening the doors for non-Kenyans to acquire Kenyan documents,” Murkomen stated. “Our officials on the ground are well aware of the need to maintain the integrity of our national security.”
The government is also banking on the Maisha Number project to further digitize identification processes. Murkomen explained that once the Maisha Number is fully implemented, manual vetting will become obsolete. “With a Maisha Number, an individual is identified from birth, providing access to complete bio-data, including family connections,” he added.
These announcements were made following a two-day retreat in Naivasha, where senior officials of the Interior and National Administration Ministry reviewed the midterm performance of the administration. Discussions focused on key priorities, challenges, and solutions to improve service delivery.
“As we approach the midpoint of our administration, we have set new targets to enhance service delivery to citizens,” Murkomen said. One of the key achievements highlighted was the onboarding of over 20,000 services onto the E-Citizen platform, which has streamlined government transactions through a unified pay bill system. This digitization drive has led to increased revenue collection and improved access to essential services.
Other notable improvements include the expedited processing of identification documents, travel documents, and certificates of good conduct. These measures are part of broader government reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in service delivery.
The meeting in Naivasha was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo, Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo and Julius Bitok, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and DCI Director Mohamed Amin.
