By Saad Salim ,October 22, 2026
The government has urged Kenyans aged 18 and above who do not have national identity cards (IDs) to register, warning that a lack of accurate population data could undermine equitable resource distribution and effective development planning across the country.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of national identity registration, noting that accurate population records help the government plan public services, allocate resources and identify the development needs of different regions.
He encouraged eligible citizens to acquire their national IDs, describing the document as an essential requirement for accessing government services and participating in key national processes.
According to the government, national identity registration plays a crucial role in ensuring that public resources are distributed fairly among Kenya’s regions.
Areas with significant numbers of unregistered citizens risk being underrepresented in population data used for development planning and resource allocation. Inaccurate population figures can complicate efforts to determine the level of funding and public services required by different communities.
A national ID is also an important document for accessing various services and opportunities, including formal employment, opening bank accounts and registering for services under the Social Health Authority (SHA), subject to the applicable requirements.
Additionally, obtaining a national ID is a key step towards voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to participate in elections and other democratic processes.
To increase national identity coverage, the government has introduced measures intended to remove barriers that have historically prevented some Kenyans from obtaining identity documents.
The government has moved to abolish stringent vetting procedures that previously caused delays for applicants from some border and marginalised communities.
The reforms, announced following a directive by President William Ruto, aim to simplify the registration process and ensure eligible citizens can obtain their identity documents without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
Mobile registration teams have also been deployed to reach residents in remote areas, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), including parts of Turkana and Samburu counties.
The initiative is intended to bring registration services closer to communities that face geographical and logistical challenges when travelling to registration offices.
The Ministry of Interior is also working with the Ministry of Education to facilitate identity registration for secondary school students who attain the age of 18 before completing their studies.
The initiative aims to ensure young adults obtain their IDs promptly and avoid unnecessary delays in accessing services and opportunities after leaving school.
Kenyans applying for a national ID for the first time are advised to visit an authorised National Registration Bureau (NRB) registration office or another designated registration centre to confirm the applicable requirements.
Applicants may be required to provide supporting documents establishing their names, age, place of birth and Kenyan citizenship. These may include a birth certificate, school-leaving or academic certificate, and relevant parental identity documents.
Additional documentation may be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances. Applicants should confirm the current requirements with the registration office before visiting.
First-time registration is generally provided free of charge. Applicants should also retain their registration acknowledgement or waiting document, where issued, for future reference.
Despite efforts to improve registration and processing, some applicants may still experience delays before their identity cards are ready for collection.
Processing times can vary depending on the registration centre, verification requirements, printing arrangements and local administrative backlogs. Applicants whose cards have taken longer than expected are encouraged to contact the registration office where they applied or visit an authorised Huduma Centre for assistance.
Applicants should avoid relying on unofficial claims about guaranteed same-day or fixed processing times, as the actual waiting period may differ.
The government’s renewed registration drive highlights the importance of ensuring that all eligible Kenyans are included in the national identity system.
Beyond serving as proof of identity, the national ID helps citizens access essential services, pursue economic opportunities and participate in democratic processes.
Expanding registration coverage could also improve the population data used to guide development priorities and public spending.
The government is therefore urging eligible Kenyans, particularly those in remote and marginalised areas, to take advantage of available registration services and acquire their national identity cards.
