State Department for Immigration Services Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has called on Kenyans to take advantage of the simplified registration process to acquire Identification Cards (ID) and birth certificate documents even as the Usajili Mashinani Outreach programme comes to an end.
Speaking during the issuance of the documents at the Nkareta area in Narok North Sub-County, Dr. Kipsang noted that the government has significantly eased access to these critical documents, urging citizens not to delay in obtaining them at the appropriate time.
“The government has scrapped the fees applicable for first-time ID applications and replacements. Also, plans are underway to ensure that the fee charged to acquire a birth certificate is also scrapped,” revealed the PS.
He also highlighted the use of the live-capture technology, which allows citizens to have their data captured and verified in minutes and allows the applicants to have their ID cards ready for collection within seven days.
The Usajili Mashinani outreach programme launched by the Ministry of Interior in October 2025 aims at ensuring that all Kenyans possess essential identification documents, which are key to accessing government services such as school capitation, E-Citizen, purchasing of government-subsidised fertiliser, owning an affordable housing unit, health insurance and having ease of mobile phone registration as well.
Dr. Kipsang lauded the effort by the area chiefs who helped to mobilise and identify the locals, thus instrumental in ensuring a high turnout in the targeted areas.
“Our chiefs have played a big role in ensuring that the locals heeded to the government’s call to have them acquire the IDs and birth certificates, as they have turned up in large numbers in all the areas. Let us ensure that the momentum is maintained until all Kenyans obtain these two key documents on time,” said Kipsang’.
The 10-day Usajili Mashinani outreach programme was part of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) by the department aimed at expanding access to national identification services for Kenyans in remote and previously underserved areas.
The activity conducted in five counties, which include Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Narok, managed to register over 60,000 Kenyans.
Residents welcomed the initiative, citing improved accessibility and efficiency.
Daniel Sambili, a local resident, said the exercise eliminated the need for long-distance travel to registration centres.
“We used to travel far to apply for IDs, but this time the process was brought closer and handled smoothly,” he said.
A local elder, Salaton Nadunguenkop, also praised the government’s efforts and pledged continued community mobilisation to ensure more people acquire the documents.
The outreach programme is expected to conclude this week, with officials urging Kenyans to continue registering through existing channels.
By Emily Kadzo
