The government has intensified efforts to eliminate historical marginalisation and expand access to citizenship rights through a new mobile registration programme. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday launched the Usajili Mashinani Mobile ID Registration and Sensitisation Drive in Kapenguria, targeting pastoralist regions before scaling to all 47 counties.
Speaking at the launch, CS Murkomen said the initiative aims to remove barriers to registration of national IDs, passports, and birth certificates.
“We are committed to ending historical marginalisation, inequality, and exclusion from government services. Deliberate steps are being taken to ensure every Kenyan can access essential identity documents,” he stated.
The 10-day intensive exercise will be supported by 14 motor vehicles, with an additional eight planned to cover all wards and school registration requirements.
Authorities have also deployed 91 portable machines that capture applicants’ data on-site, cutting ID waiting periods to between three and seven days.
Well-trained personnel, including Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs sensitised on the new registration procedures, will facilitate the programme.
This move follows previous reforms, including the removal of application and replacement fees for IDs and the abolition of vetting in border counties.
The launch was attended by a range of national and county officials, including PSs Dr Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizen Services) and Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, and eCitizen Services Director General Amb. Isaac Ochieng.
West Pokot leadership present included Governor Simon Kachapin, Deputy Governor Robert Komole, MPs Samwel Moroto, Titus Lotee, Peter Lochakapong, Rael Aleutum, and County Speaker Frederick Siywat.
CS Murkomen urged residents to take advantage of the programme, stressing that mobile registration is a key step toward inclusive governance.
“No Kenyan should be left behind. These reforms ensure all citizens can participate fully in national development,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to equitable access to identification and services.
The programme is set to expand to all counties in phases, with a focus on hard-to-reach communities and school registration ahead of the new academic year.