Thousands of frustrated Kenyans have been waiting for months to receive their national identification cards (ID Cards), with no success, making it hard to apply for jobs, travel or even start businesses.
Desperate applicants in need of the crucial document have reportedly been camping at Huduma Centres nationwide, with officials citing system failures as the reason behind the situation.
According to Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, the delays have been occasioned by a breakdown in production machines and a court order issued last December that suspended the issuance of new digital identification cards.
This has halted the lives of over half a million Kenyans who turned 18 after mid-November, as they cannot register for a new mobile phone SIM card, open a bank account, or access Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) funding.
Nonetheless, the government set up an emergency desk at Nyayo House, Nairobi to fast track the replacement of National Identity Cards and other personal registration documents.
Citizens Decry the Prolonged ID Card Issuance Process
In Nakuru, a distressed citizen, Bramwel Kagoni has been waiting for his ID card for six months, delaying his plans to enroll in college, obtain a driver’s license, and apply for online jobs that require identification.
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“The situation is always the same; the officials tell me that the document is in the final stages of processing, but I am yet to receive the document,” said Kagoni.
Similar scenes are replicated in Kisii, Bungoma, Garissa, and even within the nation’s capital, Nairobi, where individuals seeking to replace lost IDs face prolonged waiting periods.
“I applied for the document on January 3rd but every time I come to collect it I am told it is not ready. I can’t even land a job because I don’t have necessary identification documents,” said Kasera Happy, a Kisii resident.
Huduma Centre Explains Reason for ID Cards Issuance Delay
Huduma Kenya in a statement on May 30 explained why there have been delays in issuing national identification cards to Kenyans.
In the statement, the agency stated that the delay being experienced was a result of a court order that stopped the production of new IDs.
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“We are experiencing delays due to the high court order that blocked the production of new digital ID cards/Maisha cards,” Huduma Kenya said.
In December of 2023, the High Court froze the issuance of ID cards, also known as Maisha Number, following an application filed by Katiba Institute.
The High Court in February 2024 lifted the injunction barring the government from issuing new digital identity cards.
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