The once lengthy and frustrating wait for national identity cards is being replaced by a swift, tech-driven process that now delivers IDs in just seven days. Thanks to the introduction of live capture biometric systems, the era of service delivery delays is fast becoming a thing of the past.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking during a spot check of the Mobile ID Registration exercise in Matuga Sub-County, Kwale, lauded the initiative as a “game-changer” during the Jukwaa la Usalama Nationwide Tour, Coast Region Chapter.
“This has drastically improved efficiency, reduced unnecessary rejection rates, and restored hope, particularly among the youth,” Murkomen stated. “We are witnessing a transformation. Technology is not only improving efficiency, it’s restoring dignity and opportunity.”
Under the new system, biometric data—such as fingerprints and photos—is digitally captured at registration points and instantly transmitted to a central processing center in Nairobi. There, it is verified and processed swiftly, drastically cutting down wait times. More than 300 live capture units have already been deployed nationwide, with plans to cover all sub-counties by June 2025.
Beyond speeding up administrative services, the fast-tracked issuance of ID cards is seen as a vital tool for national development. Murkomen emphasized that legal identification unlocks access to education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and government services. This, in turn, reduces youth vulnerability to crime, drug abuse, and radicalisation.
“The security of a country improves when young people have opportunities. An Identity Card is not just a document; it is a gateway to the future,” he affirmed.
First-time registration is now free, and the new third-generation ID cards come embedded with a digital chip, enhancing security and enabling instant verification. At Huduma Centres like the one in Kilifi, queues have grown longer as more youth turn up to benefit from the streamlined process.
“The process now takes about 10 minutes per person,” said Christine Barongo, the Huduma Centre registrar in Kilifi.
Kenya’s embrace of digital innovation is restoring faith in public services and empowering a new generation.
