National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) from Vihiga County have undergone training on the revised national identification card registration and issuance system aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing the country’s population register.
The training, held at Kaimosi Friends University, forms part of a nationwide programme that has so far been conducted in 24 counties.
Several senior government officials made presentations highlighting reforms within their respective sectors and the role of NGAO officers in enhancing identity management and public service delivery.
Director General of the Integrated Population Registration Services (IPRS), Judy Kilobi, said the government has integrated key employment agencies and strengthened the national population register to improve planning and service delivery, including supporting national census activities.
Kilobi noted that the reforms have made it easier for the government to maintain accurate records of all citizens through enhanced digital systems.
eCitizen Director General Isaac Ochieng said the digital platform has transformed the delivery of government services by enabling Kenyans to access services conveniently and efficiently.
He said the platform has significantly reduced the need for physical visits to government offices while eliminating bureaucratic delays, thereby improving service delivery.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo said Vihiga County has a total of 590,927 registered national identity card holders, while about 25,918 youths are expected to attain the age of 18 years and qualify for registration.
He urged NGAO officers to take advantage of the opportunity to ensure all eligible youths are registered and issued national identity cards.
Kitiyo further disclosed that over 520,018 printed identity cards remain uncollected across the country, adding that the government will work with NGAO officers to facilitate the distribution of the documents to their rightful owners at the grassroots.
He also revealed that more than two million identity cards have been processed since last year, while 409,499 Kenyans benefited from the presidential directive waiving previous vetting requirements for ID issuance.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Belio R. Kipsang, challenged NGAO officers to play a central role in identity management, noting that they are the government’s key link with citizens at the grassroots.
“When it comes to identity management, you are the people on the ground,” said Kipsang.
He highlighted key reforms introduced by the government, including electronic birth notification, which allows parents to generate birth certificates using the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI).
The principal secretary urged the officers to uphold integrity and professionalism while implementing the new system.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei called on NGAO officers to stay ahead in communicating government programmes to counter misinformation and ensure wananchi received accurate and timely information.
Koskei said the officers should not only be associated with enforcement duties but also with development initiatives across all sectors, adding that effective communication is essential in transforming public service delivery and strengthening public confidence in government programmes.
By Rose Wasike
