The Kenyan government has launched a sweeping reform of the national identification process, removing long-standing bureaucratic hurdles that historically blocked thousands of citizens from obtaining essential documents. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo detailed these changes during a mass registration drive in Masara, Suna West, Migori County, marking a significant shift in how the state handles identity and citizenship.
For over 60 years, residents in “border” or “marginalized” counties faced an extra layer of scrutiny known as the vetting process. This requirement often turned the simple task of getting an ID into a years-long struggle for families in regions like Garissa, Mandera, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Busia.
Breaking the Barriers to Citizenship
Dr. Omollo confirmed that President William Ruto has taken deliberate steps to dismantle these obstacles. By eliminating the additional vetting requirement, the administration aims to level the playing field for all Kenyans, regardless of their geographic location or ethnic background.
“His Excellency President Ruto took away the requirement for extra vetting for the residents of those counties so that they could be able to access identification documents just like the rest of Kenyans,” Dr. Omollo stated during the event.
To further encourage registration, the government has waived all application and replacement fees for ID cards. This move targets financial barriers that previously prevented low-income earners from securing their legal identity.
“Because of that, Kenyans from across the length and breadth of the country can now access identification cards,” the PS added.
A Legacy of the Shifta War
The vetting system traces its roots back to the 1960s. Originally introduced as a security measure following the Shifta insurgency, a secessionist conflict involving ethnic Somalis and Muslim Borana groups, the process required residents in Northern Kenya and other border zones to prove their lineage through elders and security committees.
While intended to prevent non-citizens from obtaining Kenyan documents, critics long argued the system effectively rendered many indigenous Kenyans “stateless” in their own country. In February 2025, President Ruto signed a formal proclamation finally abolishing this 60-year-old policy.
Service Delivery and the Road to 2027
Beyond civil rights, the Interior Ministry views broader ID coverage as a critical tool for governance. Dr. Omollo noted that accurate data allows the government to plan more effectively and deliver public services with greater precision. He also pointed out the civic weight of the document, noting that a national ID is the primary gateway to acquiring a voter’s card.
The timing of the rollout carries significant political weight. As the 2027 general election approaches, observers see the move as a strategic effort to consolidate support in regions that have historically felt alienated from the central government. Dr. Omollo did not shy away from the political implications, noting that local leaders have already pledged their support for the president’s second-term bid.
“Because His Excellency President Ruto has delivered for us over the last three years, and he continues to deliver for us, when we go to elections next year, we have agreed with the leaders of this region that we will give him a second term,” Dr. Omollo said.
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