Kenya's Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Dr. Bonface Makokha, launched a national identity card (ID) and voter registration initiative in Busia County on Thursday, aiming to address gaps in access to essential government services. The drive, held at Nambale Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) grounds, seeks to decentralize registration processes for residents who face challenges due to the distance to service centers. 'Our survey identified that many people lack IDs due to the distance they have to travel to access the services. That is why we resolved to bring the registration exercise closer to the people,' Makokha stated during the event.
The National Registration Bureau, in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), deployed mobile units equipped with live-capture machines to facilitate ID registration. Makokha revealed that 8,500 IDs, previously awaiting printing, had been dispatched to Busia residents. He noted that 22,000 IDs were under production, with the remaining to be processed in the coming weeks. 'From next week, everyone who has applied for an ID will start receiving the document,' he said. The IEBC also established a registration desk at the venue to enable residents to simultaneously register as voters.
Makokha emphasized the importance of ID ownership for accessing government services, stating that the lack of identification had hindered some residents. He called for increased public awareness, citing that National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and religious leaders had been trained to educate communities on available services. 'We need to ensure that citizens understand the benefits of these programs and participate actively,' he added.
Addressing allegations that IDs and voter registration services were being issued to non-residents, Makokha urged individuals with evidence to report to security agencies. 'ID registration follows a constitutional process with rigorous verification, including the presentation of original documents,' he said. Nambale Sub County DCC Veronica Naliaka echoed this, urging eligible residents to obtain IDs and register as voters to exercise their democratic rights. 'You must stand to be counted when the time comes,' she emphasized.
Naliaka expressed concern over young people aged 18 who had not acquired IDs, stressing the need for them to register to access services and participate in civic activities. Nambale Sub-County IEBC Officer Elizabeth Barasa highlighted the initiative's impact, noting that voter registration in the sub-county had grown from 50,000 to 57,000 in recent months. 'Our target is to exceed 60,000 voters by the end of this exercise,' she said, adding that 16 new polling centers had been established to improve accessibility.
Residents welcomed the initiative, with Nambale resident Stephen Wandera praising the effort to bring services closer. 'This will encourage many to acquire IDs and vote for leaders who will bring development,' he said. Judith Wandera, another local, called for leaders to intensify sensitization efforts, particularly among youth. 'Mere slogans won’t make someone a leader, but voting for the right people will drive progress,' she added.
The drive underscores the government’s push to enhance civic participation and service delivery in rural areas. By addressing logistical barriers, officials aim to ensure broader inclusion in democratic processes and public services. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize Kenya’s electoral and identification systems, with ongoing efforts to expand access nationwide.