President William Ruto’s recent decision to abolish the extra vetting of Kenyan residents in border counties for national identification documents is a significant step towards inclusivity and equality.
For decades, communities living in these regions—particularly in northeastern Kenya and parts of the Coast—have faced undue scrutiny when seeking IDs, a practice that has often led to discrimination and statelessness among rightful citizens.
While this move aligns with constitutional rights and promotes national cohesion, it is imperative that the government remains vigilant in its implementation.
The extra vetting process has long been criticised for being arbitrary, cumbersome and prone to abuse. Human rights groups have documented cases where entire communities have been subjected to lengthy and frustrating verification exercises, forcing many to live without official documentation.
A 2019 report by Human Rights Watch found that more than 500,000 ethnic Somalis in Kenya faced systemic discrimination in ID issuance.
In some instances, this has denied them access to essential services, including education, healthcare and employment.
Residents of border communities often share stories of multi-day treks to registration centres, only to be met with suspicion and demands for documentation they cannot possibly possess. is has created deep-seated mistrust and resentment towards the government.
The President’s directive rightly addresses this long-standing injustice, affirming that all Kenyans—regardless of their ethnic or geographical background—deserve equal treatment under the law.
However, the scrapping of extra vetting must be accompanied by robust measures to safeguard national security.
There are also some unanswered questions. How exactly will the new system work? What measures will be put in place to prevent fraud and security breaches?
The government has stated that it will adopt a phased approach, beginning with enhanced digital verification systems and community outreach programmes.
These initiatives will need significant resources, ensuring adequate funding for technology and personnel.
Kenya’s border counties, including Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Lamu and parts of Rift Valley, have historically faced security challenges, including infiltration by extremist groups such as al Shabaab.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicates that at least 20 per cent of the population in these counties lack proper identification, making it difficult to track and manage security threats effectively.
Civil society organisations have expressed a willingness to collaborate with the government to monitor the implementation of the new system. Security agencies have previously justified additional vetting as a mechanism to curb illegal migration and prevent the issuance of IDs to non-citizens who might pose security threats.
While this reasoning has been controversial, the concerns it raises cannot be ignored.
The government must therefore strike a balance between inclusivity and security. The solution lies in adopting a data-driven approach to registration. Instead of blanket vetting based on geographical location, authorities should strengthen the national population database, enhance biometric identification and invest in digital identity management systems
The Huduma Namba project, for instance, was envisioned to streamline identity verification and reduce reliance on manual vetting. Reviving and improving such digital solutions would ensure that rightful citizens receive IDs without compromising security.
Additionally, border security must be reinforced through intelligence-led operations rather than discriminatory administrative barriers.
This can be achieved through better cross-border coordination, the use of modern surveillance technology and engagement with local communities in security efforts.
The President’s decision is a progressive step, but its success will depend on how well it is executed. If not carefully managed, it could open loopholes for noncitizens to exploit the system, further complicating border security.