The Government is committed towards ensuring equality in service delivery to all citizens.
Speaking Shabab Social Hall grounds in Nakuru West Sub County on Wednesday March 19, 2025 during the launch of the National Mobile Registration Outreach Program, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen lauded the Program saying it is a clear indicator of government’s commitment to service delivery to all.
“This is a significant step toward ensuring that every citizen has access to essential identity services. Today’s event is not only about launching this vital programme but also about reaffirming the government’s commitment to reviewing and eliminating prohibitive practices in the issuance of identity cards,” he stared.
While recognizing that there are certain barriers that have persisted, the CS was quick to point out that the Ministry’s mission is to address these challenges so that every Kenyan can enjoy their right to documentation without unnecessary hurdles.
As part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness, the CS noted that the President has directed the Ministry to discontinue levying fees for initial ID registration.
“In line with this directive, yesterday I issued a gazette notice amending the gazette notice No. 15495/2023, reviewing charges of registration of persons. This is a crucial step in ensuring that every Kenyan has access to this essential service,” he stated.
This, even as on February 5, 2025, the President signed a proclamation abolishing the requirement for extra vetting during the issuance of ID cards in certain areas.
The CS revealed that contrary to popular belief, the practice of vetting did not exclusively affect the North Eastern or border regions but also impacted cosmopolitan urban areas and cities like Nakuru.
He added that this process was a gross violation of their rights to equality before the law and equal treatment as provided for in Article 27 of our Constitution.
“It is unimaginable that for decades, a section of people were singled out to undergo extra vetting by dint of sharing names with people in neighbouring countries. I am pleased to announce that vetting has been discontinued, as it was a practice that unfairly impacted many communities,” he stated.
This was However quick to point out that discontinuation of vetting should not be used as an avenue for illegal registration.
He added that the government has retained the necessary verification controls to deter the fraudulent issuance of identification documents to non-citizens.
“However, let me be very clear: the discontinuation of vetting is meant to ensure a more efficient, customer-friendly registration process. The government has retained the necessary verification controls to deter the fraudulent issuance of identification documents to non-citizens,” he said.
According to Murkomen, security agencies remain vigilant in detecting and preventing non-compliance with the required verification procedures and will arrest and prosecute anyone who attempts to assist or acquire Kenyan IDs illegally.
The CS expressed his excitement that the government is committed to the 100% digitalization of ID enrolment.
During the event, the CS also launched the use of live enrolment kits for initial ID registration in all sub-counties.
This initiative will not only simplify and expedite the process but also position Kenya as a leader in the digital economy, making it easier for citizens to access government services and conduct business efficiently.
As part of our continued efforts to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the identity registration process, the Ministry will also soon be launching a Post-Issuance ID Tracking System.
This new system will allow citizens to track the status of their ID applications in real-time through SMS notifications or online platforms.
“By providing this service, we aim to reduce waiting times and eliminate uncertainty in the application process, ensuring that Kenyans have easy access to updates on their applications. This initiative underscores our commitment to improving the customer experience and making government services more accessible and transparent for all,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the government will soon launch the much-anticipated National Digital Identity Management System, which marks a significant leap forward in journey towards digital transformation.
This system will introduce virtual IDs and Digital Wallets, enabling citizens to store their identification documents securely on smartphones.
The digital wallet will be integrated with a wide range of services, providing access to government platforms, payment systems, and even digital signatures.
This innovation will make identification more accessible, secure, and convenient for all Kenyans, allowing them to engage with government services and conduct business more seamlessly in today’s digital world
“The mobile registration outreach programme we are launching today is another key part of this effort. By bringing services directly to the people, we aim to reach every corner of the country—from rural villages to schools—ensuring that no one is left behind. More mobile outreach initiatives are in the pipeline, and we are dedicated to expanding this programme until our objectives are fully realized,” said CS Murkomen.
In addition to the mobile outreach, the Ministry of Interior is committed to expanding the availability of identity enrolment for Kenyan citizens living abroad.
The CS revealed that through deeper partnerships with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the government will ensure that distance is no longer a barrier to obtaining essential identification documents.
This will enable Kenyans, regardless of their location, to access identity services efficiently and seamlessly, reinforcing commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that every Kenyan is properly documented, no matter where they reside.