By L, KNA
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services has launched the Usajili Mashinani mobile registration exercise in Kajiado County to fast-track the issuance of national identity cards and increase access to government services among marginalized communities.
Speaking in Kajiado County during the sensitization of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, said the people-centered initiative is designed to remove barriers to registration and ensure all eligible citizens, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas, can access national identity documents
Dr. Kipsang said the county will host a 10-day mobile registration drive, led by chiefs and their assistants, noting that adequate training of grassroots administrators is critical to the success of the exercise.
He acknowledged the central role played by chiefs and assistant chiefs in ensuring no citizen is left out of accessing government services, adding that their responsibilities expanded after the President abolished vetting in the issuance of national identity cards.
“When the President ceased vetting in the issuance of national identity cards, the responsibility of identifying Kenyans was given to chiefs and sub-chiefs, who represent the government at the grassroots level,” said Dr. Kipsang.
Kajiado is among counties that have historically recorded low registration levels due to vetting requirements that locked out many eligible applicants. The revised guidelines, he said, are intended to remove such barriers and ensure that all eligible citizens acquire identification documents.
“A national identity card is more than just a card; it is the gateway to government services and meaningful participation in development,” Dr Kipsang said.
He regretted that the lack of identification documents has led to many residents missing out on vital government services.
The PS cited access to the Social Health Authority, subsidized fertilizer, affordable housing under the Boma Yangu programme, e-Citizen services, passports and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans as some of the services tied to national identification.
Dr. Kipsang reiterated the government’s commitment to a people-centred registration process that promotes dignity and inclusion, adding that taking services to the mashinani level would significantly reduce travel costs and administrative hurdles for first-time applicants.
He urged NGAO officers to lead sustained community sensitisation to ensure maximum uptake during the exercise.
National Registration Bureau official, Immaculate Ntetei, called on administrators to mobilise residents to collect unclaimed identity cards, revealing that Kajiado County has more than 13,000 uncollected IDs, including about 6,000 belonging to new applicants.
Ntetei cautioned against the misuse of authority in issuing validation letters, saying such actions undermine the constitutional right of citizens to register.
NGAO officers serve as the primary validators in the national identification process, a role aimed at ensuring uniformity, integrity and full registration of all eligible citizens.