Mwatate: National government administration officers in Taita Taveta County have undergone intensive training on revised national identity card registration guidelines as the government rolls out a countrywide campaign to ensure no Kenyan is left without proper identification. The Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Belio Kipsang, emphasized that grassroots administrators play a pivotal role in the identification process, particularly following President William Ruto’s directive abolishing mandatory vetting for ID applications.

According to Kenya News Agency, the sensitization program, which targets chiefs and assistant chiefs, is critical in preparing for mobile registration services in previously disadvantaged counties across the country. Dr. Kipsang highlighted that the training, which began in Kilifi two weeks ago and moved through Kwale before reaching Taita Taveta, prepares administrators for an intensive mobile registration exercise already underway in four counties: Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet.

The government has acquired 300 modern live-capture machines to streamline the registration process. These portable, battery-powered devices electronically capture biometric data including fingerprints, photographs, and personal information in real-time. Residents in Nairobi can receive their IDs within a day while those in other regions get theirs within seven days.

The mobile registration initiative targets 15 counties that have historically faced challenges in accessing ID services, particularly border regions where residents previously struggled with previous vetting requirements and long distances to registration centres. The four counties where mobile registration has begun are recording response rates exceeding 45 percent of their targets, demonstrating the effectiveness of taking services closer to the people.

National identity cards are essential for accessing critical government services, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), Higher Education Loans Board services (HELB), the Boma Yangu affordable housing programme, and subsidized fertilizers for farmers. The government is working to suspend the 1,000-shilling fee previously charged for ID replacement, following the earlier removal of the Sh300 charge for first-time applicants.

Under the revised guidelines launched by President Ruto in February this year, chiefs have become central to the verification process, replacing the previous vetting system. Officers now use their thumbprints to validate applicants’ citizenship, creating personal accountability in the registration process. The PS cautioned that any chief found registering non-Kenyans or using fraudulent means would face prosecution under national registration and citizenship laws.

In Taita Taveta County, current statistics indicate that there are 596 uncollected IDs from the NPR system, emphasizing the need for enhanced follow-up and public awareness. Following the Taita Taveta sensitization exercise, mobile registration units are expected to be effected in the county as part of the nationwide rollout ahead of the 2027 general election.