National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has emphasized the urgent need to streamline the process of acquiring National Identity Cards (IDs), highlighting the importance of eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that have long frustrated Kenyan citizens.
Speaking at his home in Bungoma during a meeting with political leaders and administrators, Wetang’ula reinforced President William Ruto’s recent directive to remove the rigorous vetting process for ID applications. He stressed that the move is not only applicable to North Eastern Kenya but is a nationwide policy meant to ease access to the essential document.
“I support the president’s directive on removal of vetting of ID applicants. I want to clarify that the directive is not meant for the North Eastern region only but applicable countrywide,” he affirmed.
Wetang’ula pointed out that unnecessary restrictions have discouraged many Kenyans, particularly the youth, from applying for IDs, leading to a concerning number of unregistered individuals.
“Most youths shied away from applying for IDs because of the unnecessary restrictions they are subjected to. I have seen Kenyans above 60 years who do not have IDs because they don’t meet the requirements,” he noted.
To expedite the process, the Speaker revealed that plans are underway to decentralize ID issuance services, ensuring that applicants can access the document more efficiently.
“We had a meeting with the president and he agreed that the government will decentralize more services related to issuance of IDs except for printing to make the process faster and have applicants get the document on time,” he explained.
Beyond just facilitating access to IDs, Wetang’ula also underscored the political significance of the move, calling on MPs and MCAs to use this opportunity to mobilize eligible voters.
“I urge politicians to mobilize all ID holders to register as voters. We are targeting to increase our numbers of registered voters from more than 600,000 to one million,” he stated.
