The government has officially launched a nationwide mobile ID registration campaign targeting one million youth, following the recent removal of the Ksh.300 application fee.
Unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in Nakuru on Wednesday, the initiative seeks to simplify the identification process by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and embracing a fully digital system.
According to Murkomen, the program will decentralize ID registration through mobile units that will operate at sub-county and local levels, ensuring accessibility for all. The government has also scrapped the vetting committees that previously subjected border communities to lengthy scrutiny, promoting inclusivity in the registration process.
"From here, we will go to sub-counties and even locations to ensure Kenyans get this service with minimal inconvenience. We will also ensure IDs are issued within 10 days, unlike before when applicants waited for up to a year," said CS Murkomen.
As part of the digital transformation, the government will deploy live enrollment kits in all sub-counties to facilitate real-time registration and processing. Additionally, a new ID tracking system will be introduced, allowing applicants to monitor their application status via SMS alerts and online platforms, eliminating uncertainty and long waiting periods.
Plans are also in place for the launch of a National Digital Identity Management System, which will introduce virtual IDs and digital wallets. These innovations will enable citizens to securely store and access their identification documents on smartphones, streamlining interactions with government services and financial institutions.
Beyond waiving the Ksh.300 ID application fee, the government has also scrapped the Ksh.500 charge for birth certificate verification, which was previously required for ID and passport applications. Murkomen stressed that authentication of personal documents is a government responsibility and should not be a paid service.
"The government has abolished the Ksh 500 fee that was previously charged to verify the validity of identification documents. This service will now be free of charge," he stated.
Recognizing the needs of Kenyans abroad, the government plans to expand ID registration services to the diaspora. In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenyans living outside the country will soon have improved access to ID enrollment services.