Nairobi: The government has called upon Kenyans to collect over 400,000 new identity cards lying unclaimed at national registration bureaus across the country. This appeal comes as the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Boundaries Commission conducts a nationwide voter registration.
According to Kenya News Agency, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang highlighted that Nakuru County alone accounts for 34,000 uncollected IDs. He expressed concern over the increasing number of uncollected identity documents and announced efforts to revamp the national identity card system. The new system aims to reduce processing times, allowing applicants to receive their IDs in as little as one day.
The government has invested in modern technology to streamline the ID application and production process, significantly reducing wait times to between three and seven days for those outside Nairobi. Dr. Kipsang emphasized that this reform enhances public service efficiency and minimizes bureaucratic delays.
In a move to encourage ID collection, all fees related to ID applications and replacements have been scrapped, following a presidential directive. Previously, new applications incurred a Sh300 fee, while replacements cost Sh1,000.
Dr. Kipsang, speaking at a forum in Rongai Sub-County, directed that uncollected IDs be transferred to chiefs’ offices. Local administrators will then trace the holders of these documents. He noted that following the abolition of vetting by President William Ruto, chiefs and their assistants would play a crucial role in identifying eligible Kenyans for ID issuance.
The government is also conducting a mobile registration exercise in several counties, including Narok, West Pokot, and Baringo, targeting areas with difficult terrain where residents struggle to reach registration centers. So far, 56 vehicles and 600 live capture equipment have been acquired to facilitate this exercise.
Dr. Kipsang encouraged all Kenyans to collect their IDs, emphasizing their importance for accessing government services and registering as voters. He also addressed concerns over the low number of new ID applications, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, and urged elderly citizens to take advantage of the free application directive.
The government has assured citizens that robust measures are in place to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of upcoming elections.
