Thousands of Kenyans who have struggled for years to obtain national identification documents are now gaining easier access to government services following reforms aimed at removing hurdles in the registration process, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has said.
Omollo said the changes are part of the government's efforts to ensure every eligible Kenyan acquires an identity document without facing unnecessary challenges, saying the move is opening up access to public services, economic opportunities and democratic participation.
Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Mwalimu Daniel Wandayi, the brother of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, in Ugunja, Siaya County, the PS said President William Ruto had directed that all qualified Kenyans be issued with identification documents in a fair and transparent process.
He said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is carrying out the directive without discrimination to make sure no citizen is denied access to government programmes or opportunities because they do not have an identity document.
"Access to identification documents is about citizenship, inclusion and dignity. No Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack an identity document," he said.
Omollo noted that many adults across different parts of the country are yet to obtain national identity cards or voter registration cards, making it difficult for them to access services and other government programmes.
He said the ongoing registration exercise is meant to ensure every Kenyan is recognised, represented and able to enjoy the benefits of national development initiatives.
According to the PS, the reforms support President Ruto's wider plan of promoting equity, inclusion and national unity by ensuring that all communities have equal access to government services.
Omollo also outlined measures being taken to strengthen government services through the creation and operationalisation of new administrative units across the country.
He announced that Sikalame Division in Siaya County is now being operationalised, adding that the newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner is expected to assume office next week.
The PS said the recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs for the newly established locations and sub-locations is already in progress to improve service delivery at the grassroots.
He acknowledged that Siaya has fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties, saying discussions involving the ministry, local leaders and county leadership had agreed to give the county priority during the next phase of gazetting new administrative units.
"Bringing government closer to the people remains a key priority. We want wananchi to access services conveniently and efficiently without travelling long distances," he said.
On healthcare, Omollo encouraged residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying Siaya has so far recorded a registration rate of 52 per cent.
While welcoming the progress made, he urged leaders and residents to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure more families enrol in the government's universal healthcare programme.
The PS also honoured Mwalimu Daniel Wandayi, describing him as a dedicated educationist whose commitment to teaching and mentorship left a lasting impact on learners and families across the region.