Kenyans to get national IDs automatically upon turning 18, CS Murkomen says
Murkomen assured critics that the government remains committed to securing the country while ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
Kenyans will soon receive national identity cards (IDs) automatically upon turning 18, based on data collected from birth.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the development on Friday, saying the government had put in place measures to ensure a seamless process without compromising national security.
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Speaking at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, Murkomen linked the initiative to President William Ruto's recent directive lifting the controversial ID vetting for border communities.
He assured critics that the government remains committed to securing the country while ensuring equal rights for all citizens.
"We are a ministry that is extremely responsible for the security of this country, and we cannot play with security. We are also responsible for ensuring that Kenyans enjoy rights equally without undue discrimination," Murkomen stated.
He said vetting will now begin at birth, leveraging existing data across multiple platforms to verify identity.
"The fact that we removed extra vetting does not mean we have compromised security. The new process will rely on data already available, such as school records and family history, to determine eligibility for an ID," the CS said.
Murkomen added that technology would play a crucial role in verifying citizenship.
"We have your information from when you went to school, when you sought services, and details of your family tree. You can't just claim to be a citizen. We will verify who your parents, siblings and relatives are," he said.
Addressing concerns that the vetting changes primarily affect northern Kenya, Murkomen clarified that the policy applies to all border regions.
"I want to dissuade Kenyans from thinking this only affects north eastern or the Somalia border. The policy covers all border towns, from Lunga Lunga at the Tanzania border to Turkana, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia," he said.
The lifting of the vetting requirement marks the end of a 60-year practice imposed after the Shifta insurgency of the 1960s.
The policy, originally aimed at curbing secessionist movements, required residents of border counties to undergo additional scrutiny before obtaining national IDs.
President Ruto, while announcing the directive, described it as a move toward equality.
Critics argue that the decision is a political strategy to win support in border regions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, the Interior Ministry maintains that the shift addresses security concerns and streamlines ID issuance.
Meanwhile, Murkomen also outlined other government initiatives, including police reforms, the acquisition of more vehicles, and the construction of new prison facilities away from urban centres.
He noted that the issuance of passports has now been reduced to seven days while obtaining an ID takes 10 days. The government has also digitised over 20,000 services to enhance efficiency.
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