Government Urges Kenyans to Collect New ID Cards Amid Backlog
The Kenyan government has issued a directive urging citizens to collect their third-generation national identification cards, following a significant rise in uncollected documents across the country.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, March 26, Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang revealed that approximately 460,000 ID cards remain uncollected, raising concerns about access to essential government services.
“The number of uncollected Identification Cards has reached 460,000. Citizenship documents are very important documents,” Kipsang stated.
His remarks underscore the urgency of ensuring that Kenyans not only apply for but also collect their identification documents, which are critical for accessing services such as banking, voting, education, and employment.
Shift to Third-Generation IDs
The directive comes as part of Kenya’s broader effort to modernize its national identification system. According to Kipsang, the government has made significant technological advancements since 1995, introducing biometric features and improved data management systems.
These upgrades are aimed at enhancing:
- Security by reducing identity fraud
- Efficiency in processing and verification
- Accuracy in national records
The third-generation ID cards incorporate biometric data, making them more reliable and aligned with global identification standards.
Millions of IDs Issued Nationwide
The government has reported substantial progress in ID issuance across the country.
Kipsang disclosed that:
- Nearly 34.9 million IDs have been issued nationwide
- 4.1 million IDs have been issued to new applicants in the last 2.5 years
- Close to 1.6 million IDs have been processed in just the past six months
These figures highlight a growing awareness among Kenyans about the importance of proper identification.
“The increasing demand shows that more Kenyans understand the importance of having proper identification,” Kipsang added.
Expansion to Underserved Counties
To ensure inclusivity, the government has expanded registration services to historically underserved counties, where access to identification has been a long-standing challenge.
Key measures introduced include:
- Deployment of mobile registration units
- Increased staffing in remote areas
- Enhanced public awareness campaigns
Additionally, new guidelines have been rolled out to streamline the application process.
“Much more important is the urge to reach counties, the underserved counties. We developed new guidelines for registration of IDs, we brought in government officers to confirm who gets an ID,” Kipsang explained.
These reforms aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure that all eligible Kenyans can obtain identification documents without unnecessary delays.
Huduma Centres List Collection Points
The directive comes shortly after Huduma Kenya released a list of 39 stations nationwide where Kenyans can apply for and collect their ID cards.
Some of the key Huduma Centres include:
- Baringo
- Bomet
- Busia
- Eldoret
- Garissa
- Isiolo
- Kakamega
- Kiambu
- Kisumu
- Mombasa
- Nakuru
- Nyeri
- Machakos
- Meru
Additional stations are spread across counties such as Taita Taveta, Lamu, Samburu, Narok, and West Pokot, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Why Collecting Your ID Matters
Failure to collect your ID card can lead to major inconveniences, including:
- Inability to open or access bank accounts
- Restrictions in registering for elections
- Challenges in accessing government services
- Difficulties in securing formal employment
The government is therefore urging all applicants to visit their nearest Huduma Centre or registration office and collect their IDs promptly.
Rising Demand Reflects Changing Attitudes
The surge in applications and the backlog of uncollected IDs point to a shift in public perception. More Kenyans are recognizing identification as a gateway to opportunity and participation in national life.
However, authorities stress that applying is only half the process—the final step is collection.
Final Call from Government
As the number of uncollected IDs continues to rise, the government is making a final appeal to Kenyans to act swiftly.
With improved systems, expanded access, and faster processing times, collecting your third-generation ID card has never been easier.
The message is clear: your ID is your identity—claim it.