Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Kenyans to collect their unclaimed national identification cards, noting that over 400,000 IDs remain uncollected
Speaking at the National Registration Bureau (NRB) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, Murkomen said, despite reforms including the deployment of technology, many citizens have yet to collect their IDs.
"Even as we step up our reforms, it is worth noting that 400,000 IDs, 191,000 of them belonging to first-time applicants, remain uncollected. I urge the owners to collect them even as we explore ways of delivering through the NGAO system,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen commended officers for their dedication in meeting the growing demand for IDs.
“I am gratified to note that our officers are working hard to meet the high demand for IDs and that security measures put in place ensure only the rightful people get the document,” he said.
He also urged officers to maintain their focus and efficiency.
“I urged the officers to sustain the momentum to ensure no Kenyan is left behind,” Murkomen added.
The CS announced a massive mobile ID registration exercise targeting 15 counties with low registration rates, aiming to address service gaps identified during nationwide Jukwaa La Usalama tours.
“This will correct historical discrepancies occasioned by the now-abolished extra-vetting for border counties, among other challenges,” he explained.
Murkomen also highlighted technological improvements designed to accelerate ID issuance. The live capture system, currently being piloted, has drastically reduced the time taken to process IDs.
“To speed up issuance across the country, we shall soon deploy the machines in all 1,450 wards,” he said.
During the visit, the CS was accompanied by Immigration and Citizen Services PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, NRB Secretary Dr. Christopher Wanjau, Civil Registration Secretary Paul Mwangemi, Immigration Services Director General Evelyn Cheluget, and eCitizen Services Director General Amb. Isaac Ochieng, among other senior government officials.
The mobile registration drive, coupled with upgraded technology and strengthened security measures, forms part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that all eligible Kenyans can access identification documents, a critical requirement for public services, civic participation, and elections.