NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is calling on citizens to collect 476,167 third-generation National ID cards, also known as Maisha Cards, which remain uncollected across the country.
These cards, pivotal for accessing various government services, are gathering dust at Nairobi Registration offices and Huduma Centres nationwide.
According to a statement issued by Interior Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, Nairobi leads with the highest number of uncollected ID cards at 55,327.
Kiambu follows with 37,708, and Nakuru ranks third with 28,581 unclaimed cards.
Other counties with significant numbers of uncollected IDs include Kisumu (18,529), Mombasa (17,140), Kisii (15,842), Murang’a (13,627), Uasin Gishu (13,155), Kajiado (12,533), and Bungoma (12,053).
“We urge applicants who are yet to collect their cards to visit the station where they submitted their application as soon as possible,” said PS Bitok.
He emphasized the importance of the National ID Card as a constitutional right and a critical identification document, reassuring that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) is committed to ensuring all eligible applicants receive their IDs promptly.
To streamline the collection process, the government has provided various communication channels for Kenyans to check the status of their ID cards.
These include a toll-free line (0800023007), the X platform (Sajili_IDKe), Facebook (NRB Kitambulisho), and Instagram (National Registration Bureau).
The call to action comes in the wake of a High Court decision to lift the conservatory orders that had temporarily halted the issuance of the Maisha Cards.
These new cards are set to replace the second-generation IDs and are linked to a unique personal identification number that will serve as a lifelong PIN from birth to death.
The Maisha Card’s PIN is integral to accessing essential government services, including those provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
The government’s initiative aims to facilitate smoother access to these services and bolster the national identification system.
These cards, pivotal for accessing various government services, are gathering dust at Nairobi Registration offices and Huduma Centres nationwide.
According to a statement issued by Interior Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, Nairobi leads with the highest number of uncollected ID cards at 55,327.
Kiambu follows with 37,708, and Nakuru ranks third with 28,581 unclaimed cards.
Other counties with significant numbers of uncollected IDs include Kisumu (18,529), Mombasa (17,140), Kisii (15,842), Murang’a (13,627), Uasin Gishu (13,155), Kajiado (12,533), and Bungoma (12,053).
“We urge applicants who are yet to collect their cards to visit the station where they submitted their application as soon as possible,” said PS Bitok.
He emphasized the importance of the National ID Card as a constitutional right and a critical identification document, reassuring that the National Registration Bureau (NRB) is committed to ensuring all eligible applicants receive their IDs promptly.
To streamline the collection process, the government has provided various communication channels for Kenyans to check the status of their ID cards.
These include a toll-free line (0800023007), the X platform (Sajili_IDKe), Facebook (NRB Kitambulisho), and Instagram (National Registration Bureau).
The call to action comes in the wake of a High Court decision to lift the conservatory orders that had temporarily halted the issuance of the Maisha Cards.
These new cards are set to replace the second-generation IDs and are linked to a unique personal identification number that will serve as a lifelong PIN from birth to death.
The Maisha Card’s PIN is integral to accessing essential government services, including those provided by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
The government’s initiative aims to facilitate smoother access to these services and bolster the national identification system.
