NAKURU, Kenya – The government has launched the National Mobile Registration Outreach Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving access to identity registration services, particularly in underserved areas.
Speaking at the launch in Nakuru County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the government’s commitment to removing barriers in ID issuance and making the process more inclusive and efficient.
Among the key changes, Murkomen announced the removal of charges for first-time ID registration, following President William Ruto’s directive to make identity documents more accessible.
Additionally, the government has abolished extra vetting for ID applicants, a practice that had long affected communities in border regions and urban centers like Nakuru.
“It is unimaginable that for decades, a section of Kenyans was singled out for extra vetting simply because they shared names with people in neighboring countries. This was a gross violation of their rights to equality before the law,” Murkomen stated.
However, he reassured the public that while unnecessary vetting has been scrapped, security measures remain in place to prevent fraudulent acquisition of Kenyan identity documents.
The CS further revealed that the government is moving toward 100% digitalization of ID registration as part of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
Upcoming innovations include:
- Live Enrollment Kits: These will be deployed to all sub-counties to speed up initial ID registration.
- Post-Issuance ID Tracking System: Citizens will soon be able to track the status of their ID applications in real time via SMS and online platforms.
- National Digital Identity Management System: This initiative will introduce virtual IDs and digital wallets, allowing Kenyans to store their identification securely on smartphones and access government services digitally.
“By embracing technology, we are making identification more accessible, secure, and convenient for all Kenyans,” Murkomen noted.
The mobile outreach programme will bring ID registration services closer to rural villages, schools, and marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Additionally, the government is working with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to streamline ID issuance for Kenyans living abroad, eliminating geographical barriers to essential documentation.
Murkomen assured the public that the Ministry of Interior remains open to feedback and will continue reviewing any other restrictive practices that may hinder access to identity registration.
“Today marks a major stride in enhancing service delivery. With the support of all stakeholders, we are confident that these reforms will lead to a more inclusive and equitable future for all Kenyans,” he concluded.
Arrived in Nakuru County for the official rollout of the National Mobile Registration Outreach Programme.
