By Caroline Katana
The national government has dismissed allegations that it is registering foreign nationals to obtain Kenyan identification cards ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kwale County, Immigration Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang said the ongoing registration exercise is part of a nationwide effort to ensure that every eligible Kenyan has a national identification card and access to essential civil registration services.
Kipsang spoke during a sensitization forum for chiefs and assistant chiefs.
The PS underscored the crucial role played by local administrators in verifying and certifying citizens at the grassroots level.
“We are here to empower our chiefs and assistant chiefs, who are key players in the registration process, the national ID is the foundation of service delivery and citizen participation,” Kipsang said.
He revealed that about 60 percent of Kwale residents currently possess national IDs, while 40 percent have not yet registered, urging administrators to identify and assist unregistered citizens.
“Without an ID, citizens cannot benefit from programs such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Boma Yangu initiative, HELB loans, or eCitizen services, the national ID is also essential for voter registration and national decision-making.” He explained.
The PS reminded Kenyans that President William Ruto, in May last year, directed the abolition of the vetting process for ID registration to make the process more inclusive and accessible, particularly in border counties that previously faced delays.
“Since that directive, every Kenyan aged 18 and above has the right to obtain an ID without going through the old vetting procedures,” he said.
He noted that the ongoing sensitization campaign has already been rolled out in 15 counties that were previously disadvantaged in registration coverage.
The goal, he said, is to achieve uniform national representation before a general registration rollout.
“We want all counties to reach the required registration levels so that no Kenyan is left behind,” Kipsang said.
Under the new framework, chiefs are now empowered to identify and certify citizens applying for IDs using their biometric signatures a move he said enhances transparency and accountability in the process.
“Chiefs know their people and are trusted to verify genuine citizens, no chief can falsely identify a foreigner as a Kenyan because they understand the law and their responsibility.” he said.
Kipsang added that the new approach strengthens security and ensures that every government officer takes personal responsibility for their actions.
“We are more secure today because our officers are directly accountable for the work they do,” he said.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no eligible Kenyan is left behind in the ongoing national registration exercise.
“This initiative is about fairness, dignity, and belonging,” he concluded. Every Kenyan deserves recognition and equal access to opportunities as a citizen,” he said.
