Kenyans will now receive national identification cards within a much shorter period, following the government’s rollout of enhanced digital registration systems, removal of fees for applicants and intensified nationwide sensitisation and mobilisation efforts aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility in the issuance of the critical document.
The move is supported by the rollout of advanced live-capture technology across registration centres, where applicants’ biometric and personal data are captured and transmitted instantly to headquarters for processing, cutting paperwork, reducing delays and enabling faster, more accurate and efficient issuance of national identification cards.
Speaking to the media after a sensitization forum for National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) held at Kericho Teachers Training College in Kericho Town, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Dr. Belio R. Kipsang said the reforms are already delivering tangible results through improved coordination and digital systems that are making registration faster and more efficient for citizens.
He revealed that more than 1.7 million Kenyans have been registered since the beginning of the current financial year in July, reflecting steady progress in expanding access to identification documents, improving coverage across the country and ensuring more citizens can access essential government services.
He further revealed that 8,662 processed national identity cards remain uncollected at government offices, urging local administrators to step up public awareness and mobilisation campaigns to ensure that applicants collect their documents and fully benefit from government services.
“Our cards are now delivered within three to seven days and in some cases even the same day, which shows the level of efficiency we have achieved through technology,” he said.
In Kericho County, the Principal Secretary disclosed that more than 40,000 eligible residents have yet to apply for national identity cards despite ongoing registration efforts, urging intensified mobilisation to ensure all eligible citizens come forward and access the vital documents needed for government services and civic participation.
The ongoing sensitisation exercise for Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in Kericho County is part of a broader national programme that has already reached National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) from 27 counties, equipping them with the revised National Registration Guidelines to improve service delivery.
Dr. Kipsang pointed out that under the new guidelines, chiefs and assistant chiefs will use their biometrics to confirm applicants’ identities, a move that will strengthen verification, reduce delays and bring registration services closer to wananchi while ensuring all eligible residents in Kericho access national identification documents and related government services.
“There are still very many Kenyans, both young and old, who do not have documents and that is why we are continuing with this exercise to ensure no one is left behind,” he explained.
Dr. Kipsang noted that identification documents play a critical role in enabling citizens to access essential services, including student loans, scholarships and agricultural support programmes, adding that farmers require IDs to register for subsidised inputs while students need them to apply for higher education funding, making the document essential in everyday life.
He pointed out that the exercise has already covered more than half of the counties, including hard-to-reach areas, where mobile registration has been conducted to ensure no region is left behind, with counties such as Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo already benefiting from the outreach as similar exercises continue in other parts of the country.
“We are serving every Kenyan equally and we have no reason to discriminate against anyone because our duty is to ensure all eligible citizens receive identification documents,” he added.
The forum was also graced by the Secretary, National Registration Bureau (NRB) Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo and Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru, alongside other senior national government officials.
By Kibe Mburu
