The Government's ongoing reforms to make national identification documents more accessible are aimed at ensuring all eligible Kenyans can access public services, development opportunities and participate fully in democratic processes, Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo said on Friday.
Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi in Ugunja, Siaya County, PS Omollo said the President had directed that all eligible Kenyans be issued national identification documents without unnecessary obstacles, a directive the Ministry is implementing fairly to ensure no Kenyan is excluded from government programmes due to lack of an ID.
“Access to identification documents is about citizenship, inclusion and dignity. No Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack an identity document,” he said.
The deceased is the brother of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
According to Omollo, the ongoing registration drive seeks to reach thousands of adults who still do not possess national identification documents or voter registration cards, limiting their access to opportunities and government services.
He said the reforms were also part of President William Ruto’s broader agenda of promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring no region or community is left behind.
This is in addition to promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring every Kenyan is counted, represented and able to benefit from national development programmes.
As such, the reforms to make national identification documents more accessible are helping to eliminate barriers that have historically locked many Kenyans out of government services, development opportunities and democratic participation.
The PS also highlighted progress in strengthening government service delivery through the operationalisation of new administrative units across the country.
One such unit is the Sikalame Division in Siaya County, which he announced is currently being operationalised with the newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner expected to report next week.
At the same time, he said, the recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly created locations and sub-locations is already underway.
Noting that Siaya has comparatively fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties, Omollo disclosed that consultations with the Ministry, local leadership and county leaders have resulted in an agreement to prioritise the county during the next phase of gazettement of administrative units.
“Bringing government closer to the people remains a key priority. We want wananchi to access services conveniently and efficiently without travelling long distances,” he said.
He further cautioned against the growing trend of political actors exploiting young people to engage in violence and disruption and appealed to leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility, warning that political violence often results in loss of life, destruction of property and missed opportunities for young people.
“Young people should never allow themselves to be used to settle political scores. Their energy and talents should be directed towards education, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building,” he urged.
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