Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that the government is in the process of deploying special machines to marginalized communities that will enable the swift registration and processing of ID cards.
In a statement on Thursday, June 16, Murkomen said that the portable battery-powered 'Mobile Live Capture Unit' machines' electronically capture people's data, which will then be used to register IDs. According to Murkomen, the technology will enable residents of these areas to get their IDs within three days.
Among the counties to benefit include Turkana, Garissa, Mandera, Kilifi, Wajir, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Lamu, West Pokot, Tana River, Narok, and Kwale.
The Machines are currently in a pilot phase in Turkana County, where over 400,000 adults over the age of 18 years still don't have IDs, according to the Interior boss.
Once the pilot phase is complete, the machines will be distributed to the other counties where residents often lack IDs due to poor infrastructure or insecurity.
"I assessed the piloting of the Mobile Live Capture Unit, a portable battery-powered machine that captures data of ID applicants and relays it electronically for processing. After testing, the machines will be deployed to marginalized counties," Murkomen said.
"Many pastoral communities in Kenya have difficulties accessing essential government services. In Turkana County, for example, close to 400,000 people of adult age don't have IDs. Applicants registered through this system will receive their ID cards in three days," he added.
In Kenya, an ID card serves as proof of citizenship and enables one to access government services, employment, and financial institutions, among others.
Just last week, the Mombasa County Government revealed that it is in the process of creating a local identity card, 'Mombasa Resident’s Card', that will enable residents to access services such as education and health at a cheaper price.
Speaking during a public meeting on Thursday, July 10, the county Governor, Abdulswamad Sheriff, said that the cards will be created and distributed once the residents approve the decision through public participation.
According to the governor, the cards will contain an individual’s biometric information as well as other details like their birthplace and residence.
"Each year, we spend over KES 130 million in hospital fee waivers to ensure no Mombasa resident is left behind. To make this support more sustainable and targeted, we are proposing the Mombasa Resident’s Card — your key to discounted rates across County public services," the governor said.
