By Fridah Mbuvi, June 19, 2026
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned registration officials against frustrating the issuance of national identity cards in the Northeastern region, saying any deliberate delays undermine citizens’ constitutional rights and sabotage ongoing government reforms.
Speaking during an official visit to Saka in Balambala sub-county, Duale said public officers handling national registration services have clear instructions from President William Ruto to ensure eligible applicants receive identity cards without unnecessary obstacles.
He cautioned that any form of bureaucratic red tape or deliberate attempts to block citizens from obtaining identification documents would not be tolerated.
“The President has directed that all Kenyans be served equally and efficiently. Any official who frustrates the process is undermining government reforms and denying citizens their constitutional rights,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government’s decision to abolish the decades-old vetting committees that had been used to screen applicants from Northern Kenya and border counties, saying the move was intended to guarantee equal treatment for all citizens by birth.
He noted that the removal of the vetting system does not mean security checks have been abandoned, explaining that centralized biometric technology and official security systems remain in place to verify the authenticity of applicants.
Duale said the government is deploying modern technology to speed up the registration process, including the use of 300 portable biometric live capture machines in border regions to facilitate faster enrolment.
He noted that national identity cards are increasingly becoming critical in accessing government services, including benefits under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and are also essential for future voter registration exercises.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the Ministry of Interior is implementing a service charter aimed at ensuring new identity cards are processed and issued within 21 days.
He said the current registration drive is also supporting the country’s transition to the integrated Maisha Digital ID system, which is expected to enhance service delivery and strengthen identity management.
Duale urged residents to take advantage of the reforms and apply for identity cards without fear, assuring them that the government remains committed to ensuring equal access to documentation and public services across the country.
