President William Ruto has instructed chiefs nationwide to ensure all qualified citizens receive national identity cards without prejudice or unwarranted delays.
This directive is part of an enhanced effort to improve access to government services and bolster national registration systems.
Addressing a public gathering in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County, the President highlighted ongoing difficulties in ID issuance.
He also questioned why some citizens continue to face unnecessary hurdles, while others experience relatively smooth processing, noting that such disparities undermine fairness and prevent many Kenyans from accessing essential government programs.
“There has been extensive discrimination; some individuals are obtaining identity cards without issues, while others encounter numerous obstacles,” Ruto stated.
“We have issued instructions that every citizen must receive an ID card, and every chief must guarantee that residents in their jurisdiction are served so that everyone obtains one and can access government services.”
The President further directed the Ministry of Interior, via Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, to simplify the registration process and eliminate barriers that have impeded issuance.
He stressed that administrative requirements that do not contribute value should not be employed to delay citizens from obtaining identification documents.
Ruto also expressed concern about the low registration rates for the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kwale County.
He pointed out that approximately 380,000 residents had registered.
“Based on the information available to me, 380,000 Kwale residents have registered with SHA, representing 42 per cent. Why haven’t the others done so?” he inquired of the audience.
Ruto attributed the low participation rate to potential difficulties in obtaining IDs, which serve as prerequisites for numerous public services.
He further urged local leaders to address this gap and encouraged residents to utilize government programs once they acquire national identification cards.
The President also instructed that questions concerning family background during ID applications should not function as barriers preventing citizens from documentation.
According to him, the priority should be ensuring every eligible Kenyan is documented and can access government services without discrimination.
Identification documents are essential for accessing healthcare, education, financial services, and government support initiatives.
The ID system also plays a crucial role in the government’s broader digital transformation strategy and social protection measures.
Under Cap 107 of the Registration of Persons Act, all Kenyan citizens reaching the age of 18 are required to register for legal acknowledgment.
The law mandates registration within 90 days of turning 18, granting individuals legal identity and access to fundamental government services, including voter registration and electoral participation.