Residents of Moyale and Sololo subcounties in Marsabit county have accused the government of discrimination in the issuance of identity cards.
They said area chiefs and their assistants have made it impossible for them to acquire the documents.
Katelo Boru, a resident, said the administrators demand unnecessary documents to frustrate their efforts to get IDs.
"We know to get an ID one requires a birth certificate, a letter from the chief and the parent's ID yet the chiefs ask for more documentation which we don't have," Katelo said.
Tadi Gufu, an elder, said many of their children who have attained the age of 18 and above do not have ID and as a result, they can't get employed.
"Our children were born here and they have birth certificates. How do you tell us that they can't get IDs that is unfair," Tadi said.
Boru Abdi, a youth leader said the youths have been unable to secure jobs in any of the public and private sectors as employers demand an ID.
Abdi said they have been accused by security agencies of being criminals whenever they failed to produce their IDs.
He added that traveling to other parts of the country has been a nightmare because many of them are arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally as they can't produce their IDs to prove their citizenship.
According to Liban Wario, another resident, the lack of IDs has subjected him to many challenges including harassment by security personnel.
He said, he failed to register his SIM card and can't open a bank account to save money.
"I am turning 30 by November this year yet I can't be able to save my earnings from the boda boda ride business because I don't have a bank account or a registered phone number," he said
Guyo Boru, a resident of Sololo said he was recently arrested on his way to Saku due to lack of an identity card.
He said he feels like a prisoner in his own country as his movement are restricted within Sololo.
"I am frustrated so much and I wish President Willam Ruto's administration will look into this matter with the seriousness it deserves, "Guyo said.
In his response, county registration boss Kennedy Nyaega denied claims that the residents of Moyale have been denied IDs.
Nyaega said their officers were doing their best to issue IDs across the county.
"The statistics from Moyale show there has been progress in the issuance of identity cards. We are working closely with deputy county commissioners to ensure all the deserving Kenyans are vetted and get their IDs," Nyaega said.
"Those who don't have identity card needs to register with their area chief for the vetting process to begin immediately."
He, however, admitted that there was an issue in Sololo where they have hired a new registrar and registration of identity cards will begin on October 25.
He urged all the youths who have turned 18 to register with their area chief.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)