Eldoret:The Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to bolstering cross-border security through improved collaboration with state agencies while enhancing access to essential public services for Kenyans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Kipsang emphasized the necessity of a coordinated approach to securing the nation’s borders, protecting national interests, and safeguarding the economy during a panel discussion at Eldoret National Polytechnic. The event was part of the preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, where government agencies sought to bring services closer to citizens.
Effective security requires collaboration among agencies responsible for immigration, wildlife protection, and border management, alongside reliable identification systems and authentic travel documents, Dr. Kipsang noted. He highlighted the central role of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services in establishing and maintaining the identity of every Kenyan throughout their lifetime, beginning with a birth certificate and progressing to a national identity card and a passport.
Dr. Kipsang stressed the importance of reliable identification and travel documents, particularly for young people seeking opportunities beyond their immediate communities. He encouraged residents of the North Rift region to utilize passport services for pursuing educational, employment, and business opportunities.
Beyond identity management and border security, Dr. Kipsang outlined the government’s efforts to make public services more accessible through digital platforms. This approach aims to reduce the need for citizens to visit government offices, aligning with the government’s commitment to providing value for taxpayers’ contributions. He cited the eCitizen platform as an example of digital transformation easing access to services, with approximately 600,000 daily visits.
The PS also highlighted improvements in the processing times for identification documents, with national identity cards available within seven days and passports processed within three to seven days. Additionally, the government has introduced electronic birth notification systems to simplify birth registration, allowing parents to obtain birth certificates more conveniently.
Such innovations are part of broader efforts to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure easier access to services for citizens. Dr. Kipsang linked efficient public service delivery to the government’s responsibility to account for public resources, noting that taxpayers expect tangible benefits from state institutions.
The panel discussion provided a platform for various government agencies to engage with citizens on border protection, wildlife conservation, secure identification, and travel documentation. Dr. Kipsang assured participants that officials were available to address their questions, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and accountability in the government’s service delivery agenda. The outreach at Eldoret National Polytechnic is part of the activities leading up to the Mashujaa Day celebrations, aimed at bringing government services closer to residents and fostering dialogue on national security, citizenship, and public service delivery.
