Government launches ID registration drive targeting high school students

The government plans to carry out a National ID registration campaign focused on eligible secondary school students during the second school term, running from May to August 2025.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated that the initiative aims to help students access employment opportunities, university admissions, and financial support like the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) promptly.

He called on all school principals to work closely with County officials to ensure the smooth execution of the registration process.

The statement also instructed principals that for this exercise, they or their deputies will act as identification agents for their students, replacing the usual National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).

This registration drive is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure citizens have access to essential documents needed for eCitizen and other government services.

In March 2025, the campaign focused on communities living near the borders and inmates as part of the ongoing national ID registration initiative.

"Due to vetting and other past barriers, many eligible Kenyans have not obtained IDs. We now encourage them to take advantage of the President’s directive waiving registration fees for first-time applicants," Bitok said, referring to President William Ruto’s policy.