MOMBASA, Kenya – Governors from Kenya’s Coastal region have backed President William Ruto’s directive to abolish what they termed as discriminatory vetting processes in the issuance of national identity cards.
The leaders from Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, and Taita Taveta counties welcomed the move, arguing that it marked a crucial step towards fairness and equality for all Kenyans.
“For decades, the Coast region has faced systemic marginalization in the issuance of crucial identification documents,” the governors, under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP) bloc, said in a joint statement. “These barriers have disenfranchised our people, limiting their participation in national affairs, economic opportunities, education, and governance.”
Their support follows President Ruto’s February 5 decision to scrap vetting for ID applicants from the North-eastern region, which he described as an end to an unjust practice that had long marginalized communities in border counties.
The Coastal governors emphasized that the decision is not about favoring any particular ethnic or religious group but ensuring national equity.
They urged those opposing the move to consider its broader implications for unity and inclusivity.
“Every Kenyan, regardless of their region or background, should have an equal right to identification and full citizenship without unnecessary obstacles,” the statement added.
The leaders further argued that access to identification documents is fundamental in strengthening democracy, enhancing security, and promoting inclusive development across the country.
The governors who endorsed the directive include Gideon Maitha Mung’aro (Kilifi), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Issa Timamy (Lamu), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta).
Ruto, who signed the Presidential Proclamation in Wajir, stated that the move would ensure all Kenyans receive equal treatment in ID issuance.
“If it’s about vetting, let all children of Kenya be vetted equally without any discrimination. We want the people of Northern Kenya to feel equal to the rest of the country,” the President said at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town.
The directive has sparked debate, with some leaders raising concerns over potential security implications.
However, the Coastal governors dismissed such fears, arguing that an inclusive identification process strengthens rather than undermines national security.
The scrapping of ID vetting is expected to ease access to official documentation, particularly for communities that have long faced bureaucratic hurdles in proving their citizenship.
