Governor Abdullahi rallies chiefs to boost ID registration and voter enlisting

Governor Abdullahi rallies chiefs to boost ID registration and voter enrolment ahead of elections

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has called on chiefs and local administrators to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at increasing the uptake of national identity cards and voter registration across the county ahead of the 2027 general election.

The governor said the success of the ongoing national identity card registration exercise depends largely on grassroots leaders, urging them to ensure that every eligible resident obtains an ID card, collects any unclaimed document, and registers as a voter.

“Closer collaboration between chiefs, national government agencies, and the county administration will significantly improve registration numbers. That is why we are gathered here to chart the way forward,” he said.

He spoke during a meeting with chiefs from all the 30 wards across Wajir County's six constituencies convened to strengthen efforts to increase the issuance of national identity cards, mobilise eligible residents to register as voters, facilitate the collection of unclaimed IDs, and improve coordination among government agencies to make the services more accessible.

The meeting brought together several political leaders, among them Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh, Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed, the County Commissioner Ronald Enyakasi, Assistant County Commissioners, representatives of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and officials from the Office of the Registrar of Persons.

Governor Ahmed said the abolition of the extra vetting process for Kenyan Somalis seeking national identity cards had removed a decades-old barrier that had unfairly discriminated against residents of North Eastern Kenya.

"The removal of extra vetting by President William Samoei Ruto in the issuance of national identity cards marked a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment for all Kenyans. For the people of North Eastern Kenya, it lifted a longstanding barrier and reaffirmed their right to access government services without unnecessary hurdles," he said.

The governor was referring to President William Ruto's 2025 proclamation in Wajir that abolished the extra vetting process previously imposed on Kenyan Somalis seeking national identity cards.

For decades, applicants from the region were subjected to additional verification requirements that other Kenyans did not face, including producing extensive family documentation before being issued with identity cards.

"Let it be clear that the president did not remove vetting. He only abolished extra vetting to end discrimination in the issuance of national identity cards. Today, the process is the same across the country. The only important requirement is for your chief to know you and your parents," the Governor explained.

Despite the policy change, Governor Ahmed expressed concern that the number of eligible residents applying for identity cards remains significantly low.

"We used to complain that our people could not obtain ID cards because of the extra vetting. Unfortunately, despite the removal of that barrier, the numbers remain extremely low. We still have many of our people who are yet to apply for this important document," he said.

The Governor revealed that county data paints a worrying picture, with thousands of eligible youths yet to acquire national identity cards.

"Today, we have more than 5,000 students in our secondary schools who have attained the age of obtaining national identity cards but still do not have them. Most are in Form Three and Form Four. Instead of waiting until they complete school and subjecting them to unnecessary struggles, why can't registration officials move to schools and facilitate the issuance of IDs there?" he posed.

He added that county records also indicate that hundreds of thousands of residents aged 18 years and above are still without national identity cards, describing the situation as one of the biggest challenges facing the county.

Governor Ahmed also linked the identity card registration exercise to voter registration, saying political representation and equitable allocation of national resources are closely tied to population numbers reflected in the electoral register.

"We all agree that we want development. But one truth we must face is that development is influenced by politics, and politics is driven by numbers. Those numbers are acquired through voter registration," he said.

"Let us face each other and tell ourselves the hard truth—we have a problem as a community. Statistics show that we are the sixth largest community among Kenya's 45 tribes, yet we are not fully utilising our numbers to our advantage because many eligible people are not registered," he said

He assured residents that the county government of Wajir will support the national registration exercise by providing logistical assistance to registration officers serving remote and hard-to-reach areas.

"As the county government, we will support this exercise by providing logistical assistance to registration officers serving remote and hard-to-reach areas so that no eligible resident is left behind," he said.

He concluded by urging chiefs to take the lead in civic education and public mobilisation to ensure that every eligible resident participates in the exercise.

"I urge our chiefs to continue creating public awareness and assisting residents to obtain their national identity cards. This document is the gateway to government services, economic opportunities, and full participation in our country's democratic process," added.

He also appealed directly to residents to embrace the exercise.

"I call upon every eligible resident of Wajir County to apply for a national identity card, collect any unclaimed ID, and register as a voter. These are not only civic responsibilities but also important expressions of citizenship, inclusion, and our collective future," he added.

Local administrators at the meeting. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO