Kericho County Commissioner (CC) Omari Ali has urged residents to take advantage of existing national registration services and acquire identity cards, saying the document remains critical in accessing government services and participating fully in the country’s socio-economic development.
Speaking during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations held at Chelilis Primary School in Bureti Sub-County, Ali noted that although the recently concluded mobile national identity card registration exercise had come to an end, registration services would continue at designated government offices across the county.
The CC revealed that the government was considering plans to decentralize identity card processing services by deploying registration equipment to counties, a move expected to improve efficiency and reduce the waiting period experienced by applicants.
He observed that easy access to identification documents is essential in enabling citizens to access education opportunities, employment, financial services, social protection programmes, and other government interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.
During the celebrations, Ali read President William Ruto’s Madaraka Day speech and reiterated the national government’s commitment to empowering citizens through education, skills development, and economic opportunities.
He noted that this year’s celebrations were being marked under the theme “Education, Skills, and the Future,” which highlights the critical role of education and innovation in preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
At the same time, the County Commissioner declared an intensified crackdown on illicit brews and other harmful substances, describing alcoholism among young people as one of the major social challenges facing the county.
Ali noted that the proliferation of illicit alcohol continues to rob many youths of productive futures by exposing them to health complications, school dropouts, crime, and unemployment.
He said the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), working closely with security agencies, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and the County Government of Kericho, would strengthen enforcement measures to eliminate the vice.
“Illicit brews remain a serious concern because many of our youth are becoming victims. We shall engage chiefs and other stakeholders to ensure the menace is eradicated and our young people are protected,” he said.
The County Commissioner challenged the youth to embrace education, technical training, and entrepreneurship as pathways to personal growth and national development.
He emphasized that education remains one of the most effective tools for addressing poverty, unemployment, and social inequalities, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to support learners in achieving their academic goals.
Local leaders who attended the celebrations also called for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in all boarding schools across Kericho County to enhance learner safety, improve monitoring, and aid investigations whenever incidents occur within learning institutions.
The leaders said the proposal had become necessary following the recent tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, where a dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students and left dozens of others injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 28, sparked national concern over student safety and the effectiveness of security measures in boarding schools.
Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have since identified several students suspected to have participated in the arson attack after forensic analysis of CCTV footage recovered from the institution.
Authorities say the footage provided crucial evidence that helped investigators identify the learners believed to have planned and executed the fire, with arrests and further investigations ongoing.
Leaders observed that the Utumishi incident had demonstrated the critical role surveillance technology can play in enhancing accountability and supporting investigations, noting that installation of CCTV systems in boarding schools could help prevent similar tragedies in the future while improving overall security for learners and staff.
The celebrations, which attracted hundreds of residents from across Bureti Sub-County, were attended by Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, members of the County Assembly, national government officials, religious leaders, security officers, and representatives from various sectors.
Mutai said his administration remains committed to working closely with the national government to accelerate development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for residents across the county.
Also present during the celebrations were County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), national government administrators, security officers, religious leaders, representatives from various government departments and agencies, as well as members of the public who turned up in large numbers to mark the national event. Their presence underscored the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared commitment towards advancing development and improving service delivery across Kericho County.
As the country marked Madaraka Day, Ali called upon residents to uphold patriotism, national unity, and personal responsibility, noting that meaningful freedom can only be realized when citizens actively participate in nation-building and support initiatives geared towards sustainable development.
“Let us use the spirit of Madaraka to empower ourselves through education, hard work, and responsible citizenship as we work together to build a better future for our county and our nation,” he said.
The colorful event featured cultural performances, entertainment by local artists and presentations by schools, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, unity, and aspirations of the people of Kericho County, as they joined the rest of the nation in commemorating Madaraka Day.
By Dominic Cheres
