The Civil Registration office in Kiambu Sub-County has dismissed claims of delays in the issuance of national identity cards, stating that the process has been streamlined and is currently operating within standard timelines.
The clarification comes amid political concerns that delays in ID processing could hinder eligible youth from registering as voters.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Deputy Sub-County Registrar Charity Karanta said the introduction of digital systems has significantly improved efficiency in processing applications.
“We now have a live capture unit where we capture applicants’ biodata digitally. This way, the process takes about three weeks, and your ID is out,” she said, noting that the system mirrors those used in Huduma Centres nationwide.
Karanta explained that first-time applicants using manual procedures, often due to missing documentation, may take up to three months, while replacement IDs are processed within about one month. She added that all applicants must undergo vetting, including verification of documents and endorsement by area chiefs before biometric capture.
Applicants are required to present a birth certificate, KCPE certificate, and their parents’ national identity cards as part of the registration process.
“In Kiambu, young people are very aware. As soon as they turn 18, many begin the application process, even during school holidays,” she said.
The registrar noted that the office processes at least 40 applications daily and issues between 600 and 700 processed IDs weekly. During peak periods, up to 90 IDs can be issued in a single day at the Kiambu civil registry.
To improve access, registry officers also conduct outreach programmes in secondary schools, particularly during the third term, to facilitate early applications and ensure students receive their IDs before national examinations.
“By the time they complete their KCSE, their IDs are ready, and we deliver them to the schools,” Karanta added.
She acknowledged that occasional delays of up to one month may occur due to technical challenges but maintained that such cases are isolated and not systemic.
Meanwhile, Phase One of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is set to close on April 28, 2026. The commission is targeting 6.3 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with 2.5 million expected in the first phase.
In Kiambu Constituency, Senior Registration Officer Beatrice Muli said the target for the current phase is 9,922 new voters. The distribution includes Riabai (1,817), Township (3,939), Ting’ang’a (1,646), and Ndumberi (2,520).
Officials urged eligible residents who have not yet registered to take advantage of the ongoing exercise before the closure of the first phase, emphasizing that voter participation is key to strengthening democratic processes.
By Rose Muthoni
