HOMA BAY, Kenya — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible adult Kenyan receives a national identity card, guaranteeing their access to constitutional rights and services.
During the ‘Jukwaa la Usalama’ forum in Homa Bay County, which coincided with International Identity Day celebrations, Murkomen announced a nationwide mass civil registration drive.
He highlighted the scale of the challenge the government is addressing.
“There are so many people, estimated at over a million adults in Kenya, many in their 30s and 40s, who still do not have national IDs. Without IDs, they cannot be employed, vote, own shares, or access many rights and benefits that belong to them as citizens,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Murkomen announced several immediate policy changes. He declared, “Effective today, the Civil Registration Services will no longer charge authentication fees for birth certificates when applying for National Identity cards or passports.”
The government is also reviewing the current Ksh.500 fee for late birth certificate applications, with the long-term goal of making the first issuance free of charge.
To enhance efficiency, the CS launched a real-time Biometric ID Verification System. This new system features three key components: an online solution that verifies identity without a physical ID, full fingerprint integration for secure certification, and the authentication of physical IDs against stored data.
The system is designed to eventually link with digital wallets to enable secure access to government services, healthcare, and digital payments.
Murkomen also announced the abolition of extra vetting requirements for communities in border counties, a move he described as a step toward equity and fairness.
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He emphasized the crucial role of local administrators in the registration drive, stating, “Chiefs and assistant chiefs play a critical role in recommending persons for identification. They must walk around their locations, identifying people and helping them access services, especially vulnerable persons with disabilities who are often hidden by families and miss vital government support.”
Accompanying the CS were Internal Security PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, Immigration and Citizen Services PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, and other senior security officials. Murkomen concluded by affirming the government’s ultimate objective.
“The government remains fully committed to delivering legal identity to every Kenyan, without exception,” he stated.
