Govt Rolls Out Mobile ID Registration for 1 Million Youth, Scraps Sh300 Fee
In a move aimed at improving access to national identification, the government has launched a mobile ID registration initiative targeting one million youth. The initiative, announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nakuru on Wednesday, follows the recent removal of the Sh300 application fee for first-time applicants.
Murkomen revealed that the nationwide registration drive will feature mobile registration services, ensuring greater accessibility for young Kenyans. He also highlighted that border communities will benefit from the removal of vetting committees, which previously delayed the registration process for many individuals living in these areas.
“We are focused on reaching Kenyans across the country, including those in sub-counties and local locations, to ensure they access this essential service with minimal disruption,” said Murkomen. He also reassured the public that the processing time for ID applications will now be reduced to a maximum of 10 days, addressing the backlog of unregistered but eligible applicants who had long faced delays.
The CS emphasized the government's commitment to fairness and efficiency, announcing that the review of restrictive practices in ID registration is ongoing. These changes aim to remove long-standing barriers and ensure every eligible Kenyan can obtain their ID card without unnecessary obstacles.
The removal of vetting procedures, which had disproportionately affected border and urban communities, follows a February directive from President William Ruto. Additionally, Murkomen confirmed that the previously imposed Sh500 fee for verifying birth certificates has also been waived, making the process more affordable for applicants.
“The government will no longer charge for verifying documents like birth certificates, as this responsibility lies with us,” Murkomen stated. "This change reflects our commitment to fairness and accessibility for all Kenyans."
In another significant development, the government is rolling out a digital system for ID registration, which will include live enrollment kits in every sub-county. The newly introduced Post-Issuance ID Tracking System will allow applicants to track their ID applications through SMS alerts and online platforms, eliminating uncertainty and reducing the need for office visits.
Looking to the future, Murkomen announced plans for the National Digital Identity Management System, which will provide virtual IDs and digital wallets. This new technology will enable Kenyans to securely store and access their identification documents on smartphones, facilitating easier interactions with government services and businesses.
In a final announcement, the CS revealed that the government plans to expand ID enrollment services internationally, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, to ensure that distance no longer hinders access to identification for Kenyans abroad.
The ongoing reforms are expected to streamline the ID registration process, making it more efficient and accessible to all Kenyans.