Nairobi: Marsabit County leaders have raised concern over low voter registration among residents despite ongoing government efforts to increase access to national identity cards (IDs), urging eligible citizens, especially the youth, to register and participate in democratic processes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county, led by Governor Mohamud Ali, has fallen short of its target of registering 300,000 voters over the past four years. This shortfall is attributed to voter apathy, inadequate awareness, and previous challenges in accessing identity documents. During a press conference at Jirime Resort in Marsabit town, Governor Ali announced that the government had streamlined the process of acquiring identity cards by removing vetting requirements and other barriers that had previously slowed down registration.
The press conference saw attendance from notable figures including Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande, Saku MP Dido Raso, North Horr MP Wario Adhe, Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton, and County Woman Representative Naomi Waqo. Governor Ali emphasized that the ID registration is a free government service and warned chiefs and administrators against demanding illegal payments from applicants. He highlighted reports of residents being asked to pay money before accessing ID registration services and called for investigations into such practices, which might contribute to the low registration numbers.
Governor Ali revealed that approximately 17,000 processed identity cards remain uncollected at registration offices and chiefs’ offices across the county. He urged residents who had applied for the documents to collect them, enabling them to access government services and engage fully in civic activities. The leaders also noted that around 104,000 residents who already possess identity cards have not registered as voters, prompting calls for increased awareness campaigns targeting pastoralist communities.
The voter registration drive is a part of the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), which also allows holders of old-generation identity cards to apply for new-generation cards. Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton stressed the importance of focusing on secondary schools, encouraging eligible students to obtain identity cards and register as voters.
Saku MP Dido Raso acknowledged historical challenges in obtaining identity cards due to strict vetting procedures. He noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s removal of these obstacles had provided an opportunity for all eligible Kenyans to obtain identification documents and participate in national programs. The leaders urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing exercise and register as voters to exercise their constitutional right to elect leaders during the General Election.
North Horr MP Wario Adhe and Woman Representative Naomi Waqo warned that residents risk exclusion from the electoral process if they fail to register. Waqo pointed out that women are lagging behind in ID and voter registration and called for efforts to close the gap. She appealed to men in pastoralist communities to support women in acquiring IDs and registering as voters.
In response to allegations of illegal charges during ID registration, County Commissioner Stanley Kamande warned government officials and administrators against engaging in corrupt practices. Kamande assured residents that officers found culpable of imposing unauthorized charges would face disciplinary action and prosecution. He urged residents to report any cases of corruption, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate exploitation of citizens during public service provision.
