Prisoners, border communities targeted in IDs drive, PS Bitok says

Immigration and Citizens Services PS Julius Bitok at the Kajiado Prison during the launch of the new ID card registration drive. /HANDOUT

Communities living along national boundaries, prisoners and high school students are among marginalised groups targeted for a new ID card registration drive.

Immigration and Citizens Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the drive that was launched in Kajiado on Thursday will boost access to medical insurance under the Social Health Authority.

Speaking at the Kajiado Prison during the launch of the exercise, the PS said the drive will take advantage of the abolition of vetting for IDs that was announced last month for faster services.

“Vetting and other historical disadvantages discouraged many eligible Kenyans from acquiring IDs. We now want them to take advantage of the president’s directive and obtain IDs,” he said.

Last month, President William Ruto signed a proclamation disbanding ID vetting committees that were active in 22 border counties.

The President said the move was intended to end years of discrimination, corruption, inordinate delays, and related challenges attributed to the vetting.

On Thursday, the President followed up the directive by setting aside the Sh300 registration fees for first-time ID applicants.

“Discrimination in accessing IDs must stop, and I have directed that all qualified Kenyans should get IDs without any charges,” the President said in Langata, Nairobi.

Immigration and Citizen Services PS Julius Bitok interacts with inmates at the Kajiado Prison during the launch of new ID card registration drive/handout.

In Kajiado, PS Bitok, who also addressed a baraza at the Kajiado KCB grounds, urged residents to take advantage of the waiver to obtain IDs as a critical document for accessing eCitizen and other government services.

He clarified that individuals who were previously subjected to vetting will no longer be required to visit their counties of origin to apply for IDs.

Instead, all eligible applicants can now apply for a Maisha Card in any National Registration Bureau office or Huduma Center in the country.

The registration of prisoners is a joint initiative of the ministries of Interior and Health to enable prisoners to obtain affordable access to health services.

It will target first-time ID applicants and those seeking replacements within correctional facilities across the country.

By focusing on high school students, the government will be building on the momentum from a joint initiative with the Education announced last year to ensure all eligible Form Four students exit schools with IDs. Bitok revealed that more than 800,000 high schools registered for IDs last year.