Ruto orders chiefs to speed up issuance of IDs

President William Ruto in Kwale/PCS

President William Ruto has directed chiefs across the country to ensure that all eligible citizens receive national identity cards without discrimination or unnecessary delays.

The directive comes as part of a renewed push to improve access to government services and strengthen national registration systems.

Speaking during a public rally in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County, the President raised concern over persistent challenges in ID issuance.

He also questioned why some citizens continue to face unnecessary obstacles, while others are processed with relative ease, adding that such inconsistencies undermine fairness and deny many Kenyans access to essential government programmes.

“There has been widespread discrimination; some people are being issued identity cards without question, while others are facing many obstacles,” Ruto said.

“We have issued an order that every citizen must receive an ID card, and every chief must ensure that the residents of their ward are served so that everyone gets one and can access government services.”

The President further directed the Ministry of Interior, through Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, to streamline the registration process and address barriers that have slowed down issuance.

He emphasised that administrative requirements that do not add value should not be used to delay citizens from obtaining identification documents.

Ruto also questioned the low registration levels for the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kwale County.

He noted that only about 380,000 residents had registered.

"According to the information I have, 380,000 Kwale residents have registered with SHA, accounting for 42 per cent. Why haven’t the others done so?" he posed to the crowd.

Ruto linked the low uptake to possible challenges in accessing IDs, which are a prerequisite for many public services.

He further challenged local leaders to address the gap and encouraged residents to take advantage of government programmes once they obtain national identification cards.

The President also directed that questions used to assess family background during ID application should not be used as barriers that deny citizens documentation.

According to him, the focus should be on ensuring that every qualified Kenyan is documented and able to access government services without discrimination.

 Identification documents are critical for accessing healthcare, education, financial services, and government support programmes.

The ID system is also central to the government’s broader digital transformation agenda and social protection initiatives.

Under Cap 107 of the Registration of Persons Act, all Kenyan citizens who attain the age of 18 are required to register for legal recognition.

The law mandates that registration must be done within 90 days of turning 18, providing individuals with legal identity and access to essential government services, including voter registration and participation in elections.