West pokot: The National Registration Bureau (NRB) has launched a mass national Identity Card (ID) registration drive targeting over 15,000 eligible Kenyans in West Pokot County. The 10-day exercise aims to register residents who have recently turned 18 years old to enable them access vital government services.
According to Kenya News Agency, NRB Director Simon Karinge emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the provision of government services during a media briefing at Chepnyal area in Sook Ward. 'This initiative is about ensuring no Kenyan is left behind. It is our commitment to provide every eligible citizen with an ID, especially those who have been historically left out,' said Karinge. The registration drive is part of a broader program covering 15 counties, with the first phase rolled out in five northern counties including West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, and Isiolo.
Karinge noted that six mobile registration teams, one per Sub-County, are conducting the exercise concurrently. The focus on hard-to-reach areas is due to historically low ID registration rates, some as low as 70 percent, compared to the national average of 85 percent. 'The pastoral nature of communities in ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions, vastness, and past marginalization have all contributed to these low registration figures. This exercise aims to correct that imbalance,' he added.
He explained that the government has deployed mobile teams equipped with portable registration kits capable of capturing and transmitting data in real-time, allowing for faster processing and production of ID cards. 'The goal is to bring services closer to the under-served population and empower them to participate in national programs like Taifa Care and Affordable Housing among other services,' he said. Karinge also called on local administrators including chiefs and their assistants, as well as the media to assist in mobilizing communities to ensure maximum turnout.
West Pokot Registrar of Persons, Christine Obwaku, confirmed that the registration drive began on Monday and will run for 10 days. Obwaku acknowledged that while the initial turnout was low, numbers have significantly increased as awareness spreads. 'This region is vast. From Sook to our sub-county office in Kapenguria is quite a distance. Many residents spend up to Sh3000 for transport alone. That's why we conduct mobile registrations here twice a year,' she said.
The Registrar praised the removal of the previously mandatory vetting process, which she said had discouraged many from applying due to its complexity. 'Now that vetting is no longer required, more people are turning up. We've had a great response, with many 18-year-olds eager to get their ID cards,' she stressed. Obwaku added that applicants can expect to receive their IDs within two weeks and encouraged residents to check with their area chiefs for the registration schedules and to come with their parents if required.
A resident of Katomorini in Sook Ward, Caroline Seromuk, expressed relief that the government had brought services closer. 'We used to spend over Sh3,000 to travel to Kapenguria. Many people couldn't afford it and just lived without IDs. Now, the service is here, and we are so grateful,' she said. Seromuk urged the government to consider setting up permanent offices in the area for easier access to other services.
Another resident, Yusuf Kipyego of the Endugh area, was equally thankful. 'My son has been registered and once he gets his ID, he can apply for government jobs and benefit from services like healthcare and housing,' he said, marking the initiative as a significant step towards equitable service delivery across Kenya.