Kericho: The Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all eligible secondary school students acquire national identity cards, following the successful launch of the Presidential Directive Program in Kericho County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kericho County Director of Education Julius Ngoneshi described the initiative as a 'golden opportunity' for learners, adding that a national ID serves as a gateway to critical services such as HELB loans, university and TVET enrolment, passport acquisition, and other government benefits. Ngoneshi encouraged students who are yet to apply to take advantage of the upcoming midterm break to gather and submit the required documents, including a copy of their birth certificate and their parents' national identity cards, emphasizing the need for parental involvement in the process.
Ngoneshi appealed to parents and guardians to support the initiative, stressing that their cooperation is essential to ensure that no student is left out. He noted that the program is not just about issuing identity cards but is about empowering young people to access government services such as HELB loans, employment opportunities, and other critical benefits that require national identification. He stated that the initiative aligns with their mission to ensure no student is left behind, adding that having a national ID enables learners to access government services, apply for higher education, and begin shaping their future.
Presiding over the launch event, Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo described the drive as a key component of the government's broader youth empowerment strategy. He emphasized that equipping students with national identity cards not only facilitates their access to vital government services such as HELB loans, NHIF, and passport applications but also marks a critical step toward enabling them to participate meaningfully in the country's socio-economic development. Kitiyo highlighted that the registration drive is a strategic empowerment initiative aimed at enabling young people to take ownership of their futures.
Kitiyo noted that the recent scrapping of the vetting requirement has significantly streamlined the application process, allowing students to register more quickly and with greater ease. He added that the program is set to be rolled out in the county's six sub-counties as part of a broader national effort to ensure all eligible learners are reached. However, to prevent any disruption to third-term academic activities and the administration of national examinations, the registration exercise will not proceed into the final term of the school year. This decision aims to allow students ample time to concentrate on their studies and prepare adequately for their exams.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that acquiring a national ID is now an essential step for school leavers, particularly those transitioning to higher education or vocational training institutions. By embedding the registration process within the school environment, the Ministry is promoting civic responsibility and helping students secure access to critical post-secondary opportunities. A total of 149 students from Kericho Day Secondary School were registered for national IDs during the launch, marking the beginning of a county-wide rollout.
The exercise is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Registration Bureau (NRB), and is expected to be implemented progressively in other secondary schools across the region. Through this initiative, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to preparing students for both academic and civic success, ensuring that no student is left behind as they journey toward adulthood and national development.