Kericho: Kericho County has registered a total of 1,265 Form Four students for national identity cards under the ongoing School-Based ID Registration drive targeting secondary schools. The initiative aims to improve access to registration services among school-going youth and enhance compliance with the legal requirement for all citizens aged 18 and above to possess national identity cards.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise was initiated by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services through the National Registration Bureau (NRB). It seeks to ensure timely documentation for students transitioning from secondary education to tertiary institutions, job markets, and other government services that require proof of legal identity.
Kericho County Registrar Mr. Chelangat Cheruiyot stated that the registration exercise has so far covered 33 secondary schools across all seven sub-counties, with 693 boys and 572 girls successfully enrolled. He noted the improved cooperation from school administrations and parents, who have played a key role in mobilizing eligible students and providing the required documents, including birth certificates and parents' IDs.
In Kericho East Sub-County, a total of 401 students have been registered, including 203 boys and 198 girls from Kericho Day Secondary School, Buchege Secondary School, Manyoror Secondary School, and Poiywek Secondary School. In Soin Sub-County, the registration team reached 160 students, comprising 74 boys and 86 girls, at Kapchebwai, Kabokyek, and Kabokyek Adventist secondary schools.
Mr. Cheruiyot highlighted increased awareness of the importance of early registration among parents, leading to smooth mobilization and strong student turnout in Sigowet Sub-County. There, 138 students registered for identity cards, including 63 boys and 75 girls from Kaptebengwo and Sumeek secondary schools.
In Belgut Sub-County, 89 students have been registered so far, with 52 boys and 37 girls from Cheronget, Chebirirbei, Cheribo, and Teldet secondary schools. Kipkelion West Sub-County recorded one of the highest tallies with 242 students, comprising 141 boys and 101 girls from Kimologit and Simotwet secondary schools.
In Kipkelion East Sub-County, 49 students were registered from Baraka Day Secondary School, including 30 boys and 19 girls. Bureti Sub-County accounted for 185 students, with 124 boys and 61 girls from a total of 11 secondary schools, including Cheplanget, Masubeti Girls, Roret Boys, Tulwet Boys, Kaminjeiwet, Kusumek, Chelilis Girls, Mabasi Boys, Kapchelach, Sosit Mixed, and Tengecha Boys secondary schools.
Mr. Cheruiyot confirmed that the school-based registration exercise will continue until the end of the second academic term, encouraging principals and guardians to cooperate.