The government has revealed that more than 400,000 national identification cards (IDs) are yet to be collected by applicants across the country, even as voter registration numbers remain alarmingly low ahead of the next general election.
Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang made the disclosure on Friday during a tree planting exercise to mark Mazingira Day in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County. He expressed concern that the slow pace of ID collection could have a ripple effect on voter registration, which is currently ongoing nationwide.
“We are calling upon all applicants to collect their IDs as soon as possible so that they can also register as voters,” said Dr. Kipsang. “An ID is not just a document; it is your ticket to participate in national decision-making.”
Government’s Concern Over Civic Participation
The revelation comes at a time when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is struggling to attract new voters to register, particularly first-time voters and youth who recently attained the age of 18.
Dr. Kipsang warned that civic apathy could weaken democratic participation if not addressed urgently.
According to the Immigration Department, some ID cards have been lying uncollected in sub-county offices for more than two years, despite repeated public notices and outreach campaigns. In certain counties, thousands of cards remain stacked in administrative offices.
“We have made it as easy as possible for Kenyans to collect their IDs,” said the PS. “It is worrying that so many people are not taking this opportunity seriously.”
Plans to Deliver IDs to Remote Areas
To address the challenge, the Ministry of Interior, through the Immigration Department, plans to collaborate with local chiefs, assistant chiefs, and county commissioners to deliver uncollected IDs directly to citizens in remote areas.
Dr. Kipsang said this strategy is aimed at eliminating logistical barriers that prevent applicants from accessing government offices.
“We understand that some people live far from registration centres or work in areas where it’s hard to travel back home,” he explained. “That is why we are partnering with grassroots administrators to take the documents to the people.”
He added that technology and digital tracking systems are being enhanced to make it easier for Kenyans to check the status of their IDs through mobile platforms.
Low Applications Despite Reforms
The government has also raised the alarm over a decline in new ID applications, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, despite reforms meant to simplify the process.
Previously, Kenyans in border counties like Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, and Tana River were required to undergo vetting committees before obtaining IDs, a process that was often long and cumbersome.
However, following President William Ruto’s directive, the vetting committees were abolished to ensure all eligible citizens can acquire identification documents easily and without discrimination.
“We removed unnecessary bureaucracy,” said Kipsang. “No one should feel excluded from being recognized as a Kenyan citizen.”
He further appealed to local leaders, especially chiefs and village elders, to mobilize residents to apply for IDs, saying the government had waived all application and replacement fees for the elderly and vulnerable groups.
Elderly and Marginalized Still Left Behind
Despite these efforts, Dr. Kipsang noted that elderly citizens remain underrepresented in ID registration statistics. Many senior citizens either lack IDs or have misplaced them and are yet to apply for replacements.
“Every Kenyan deserves recognition by their government. It is heartbreaking to meet older citizens who still depend on their relatives for official transactions because they lack IDs,” he said.
The government is now exploring partnerships with non-governmental organizations and religious institutions to reach the elderly in rural areas through mobile registration units.
Voter Registration Drive Intensified
Meanwhile, the ongoing voter registration exercise by IEBC has also faced challenges, with turnout remaining low despite nationwide sensitization campaigns.
Officials have attributed this partly to the uncollected IDs, which are a prerequisite for registration.
In some counties, youth have shown reluctance to register, citing economic frustrations, unemployment, and loss of faith in political leadership.
“We cannot talk about good governance if people do not participate in elections,” Dr. Kipsang emphasized. “The change we desire begins with each Kenyan taking the initiative to vote.”
He added that the government is keen on supporting IEBC to ensure that the voter registration process runs smoothly and that no eligible citizen is left out due to lack of documentation.
Government’s Call for National Responsibility
The PS reminded Kenyans that obtaining and collecting an ID is not just a bureaucratic process but a constitutional right and civic duty.
He urged all citizens to act with urgency, noting that failure to collect IDs could deny many the opportunity to benefit from essential services such as education loans, employment, and medical insurance.
“Your ID is your identity it opens doors to government services, financial access, and democratic participation,” he said.
As the country prepares for upcoming electoral activities, the Ministry of Interior has pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns and mobile outreach programs to reduce the backlog of uncollected IDs.
The uncollected 400,000 ID cards serve as a stark reminder of the gap between government service delivery and citizen participation.
While the government has taken commendable steps to simplify registration and enhance accessibility, the challenge now lies in changing public behavior encouraging citizens to value civic engagement as a shared responsibility.
As Dr. Kipsang aptly put it, “A nation’s progress depends on the active involvement of its people.”
