The government has launched a national identity card registration drive aimed at ensuring marginalized groups, including border communities, prisoners, and high school students, gain access to identification documents. Immigration and Citizens Services Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok unveiled the initiative on Thursday in Kajiado, underscoring its significance in facilitating access to essential government services such as medical insurance under the Social Health Authority.
Speaking at Kajiado Prison during the launch, PS Bitok emphasized that the program benefits from the recent abolition of ID vetting, making the registration process faster and more inclusive.
“Vetting and other historical disadvantages discouraged many eligible Kenyans from acquiring IDs. We now want them to take advantage of the President’s directive and obtain their IDs without unnecessary barriers,” he said.
The move follows President William Ruto’s recent directive disbanding ID vetting committees in 22 counties along national boundaries, a measure aimed at eliminating discrimination, corruption, and delays associated with the process. Additionally, President Ruto announced the waiver of the Ksh300 registration fee for first-time applicants, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring equal access to identification documents.
“Discrimination in accessing IDs must stop, and I have directed that all qualified Kenyans should receive IDs free of charge,” the President stated in Lang’ata, Nairobi.
During a community engagement meeting in Kajiado, PS Bitok urged residents to take advantage of the waiver and apply for IDs, which are essential for accessing government services through eCitizen and other platforms. He also clarified that individuals previously subjected to vetting no longer need to travel to their counties of origin to apply for an ID. Instead, eligible applicants can now register for a Maisha Card at any National Registration Bureau office or Huduma Center nationwide.
The inclusion of prisoners in the registration drive is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Interior and Health, ensuring that inmates can access affordable healthcare. Similarly, the initiative targets high school students, ensuring that all eligible Form Four students leave school with national IDs.
The government’s renewed focus on streamlining ID registration is expected to enhance access to essential services, promote inclusivity, and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have long hindered many Kenyans from obtaining identification documents.
