President William Ruto on Thursday, March 13 said that all Kenyans would be issued with national identity (ID) cards at no cost.
Speaking during a visit to Nairobi’s Kibra slums on Thursday, the president declared that he would do away with the bias and bureaucracy associated with issuing these ID cards.
“I have said that issues of discrimination when it comes to IDs should be done away with; every citizen should be issued an ID. I am announcing here in Kibra that IDs should be issued free of charge. Everyone should receive an ID for free and through a process that is fair and without discrimination towards Kenyans,” said Ruto.
This move was welcomed by the majority of Kenyans who previously were unhappy when the President introduced charges in the issuance of IDs.
On February 5, 2025, during his tour of the Northeastern region, the Head of State removed the vetting requirement for certain regions during the process of applying for IDs.
“Today I have said that the vetting is over; no more discrimination against certain people. This discrimination has lasted for 60 years, and we said we would end it,” said Ruto, adding that the move will enhance equality across Kenya.
At the same time, while removing vetting and issuing IDs at no cost, President Ruto’s government has assured Kenyans that it will maintain integrity and security in ID issuance.
This comes after a section of Kenyans, including political leaders and various stakeholders, expressed skepticism following the removal of vetting for Kenyans from the Northeastern region.
Ruto Assures Citizens of Security and Integrity Despite Recent ID Reforms
Despite declaring issuance of ID’s free and removing of vetting while issuing ID’s card these are the measures that President Ruto’s government has deployed to maintain integrity and security while issuing ID cards.
According to President Ruto’s administration, Kenya has robust birth and school record systems that help validate applications.
This includes a structured civil registration system where births are officially recorded, helping confirm a person’s identity, age, and citizenship status.
Also Read: Ruto Issues Directive on Free Issuance of IDs
Educational institutions maintain detailed records of students, including enrollment, attendance, performance, and graduation. These records can be used to verify educational background and eligibility for further education or employment.
Another way President Ruto’s administration is ensuring integrity and security in issuance of IDs is through a Guarantor System where each applicant must have a guarantor, a registered Kenyan citizen, ensuring an additional layer of authentication. The guarantor could be a parent or a guardian.
Steps Kenya Kwanza is Undertaking to Ensure National Security is Not Compromised
Kenya has also deployed advanced Biometric which can detect fraudulent applications and cross-reference foreign biometrics collected under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
The Kenya Kwanza government has also established strict laws to uphold integrity and security in the issuance of IDs by introducing legal consequences for fraud. Providing false information during the application process is considered a criminal offense.
Also Read: Sub-Chief Arrested for Faking IDs of Suspected Al-Shabaab Terrorists
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Immigration have been directed to strengthen information-sharing to maintain an accurate and secure national registry.
This collaboration aims to prevent duplication and fraud while ensuring that the system remains efficient and transparent.
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