Hola: The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has launched a hassle-free mobile enrolment exercise for the issuance of national identity (ID) cards, known as Usajili Mashinani. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to registration and ensure citizens can fully benefit from ongoing national government projects and social services across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, local opinion leaders have been urged to support this new initiative by encouraging all eligible individuals to participate in the enrolment process. Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, emphasized that the registration drive aims to make the vital document accessible to all Kenyans, particularly those in difficult-to-access areas. Dr. Kipsang highlighted that the ID campaign would be characterized by mobile registration efforts, urging administrators to expedite legitimate applications, provide accurate registration data, and enhance public awareness.
Dr. Kipsang stressed the constitutional right to identification and its critical role in socio-economic inclusion. He noted that over 400,000 users access the eCitizen platform daily, all requiring a valid ID. To enhance mobile registration, the government has deployed 100 live capture machines, with plans to roll out additional units nationwide to intensify registration efforts.
The initiative targets remote areas and pastoralist communities, aiming to reduce the time required to receive ID cards to a week. Dr. Kipsang explained that the live capture technology enables on-the-spot registration, with data transmitted in real-time for swift processing. He commended local chiefs and assistant chiefs for their ongoing efforts in the registration process and underscored the government’s commitment to creating a reliable database for planning future generations.
Speaking in Hola town, Tana River county, Dr. Kipsang led a sensitisation programme, engaging National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) on the revised National ID registration guidelines. The programme familiarized administrators with the revised framework, emphasizing the importance of expanding mobile registration outreach to ensure all eligible Kenyans access identification services.
Dr. Kipsang called on NGAOs to strengthen grassroots sensitisation ahead of the upcoming 10-day intensive mobile registration exercise across Tana River county. He noted that the mandatory vetting in border counties was abolished by President Dr. William Ruto in May 2024 to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. Similar sensitisation engagements have been successfully conducted in Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Mombasa counties, enhancing grassroots coordination and delivery of registration services.
The PS encouraged citizens to seize this opportunity to obtain their ID cards, essential for participating in national activities such as the upcoming 2027 general elections. He emphasized that Usajili Mashinani will empower Kenyans to participate in the country’s growth and development. Dr. Kipsang also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to their rightful identity, maintaining the integrity of Kenyan citizenship for national pride and security.
National government officials are tasked with ensuring the smooth issuance of ID cards in their areas, recognizing the pervasive impact of ID cards on the socio-economic fabric of the nation. ID cards are vital for obtaining taxpayer identification numbers, opening bank accounts, applying for jobs, voter registration, and accessing social protection services, including the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer programme for vulnerable populations.
