The government has expanded the number of Huduma Centres offering first-time national identity card registration, allowing more Kenyans to apply for the document closer to where they live.
In a public notice issued on Friday, June 26, Huduma Kenya announced that eligible citizens can now submit applications for new national identity cards at selected Huduma Centres across the country as part of efforts to improve access to government services.
The initiative significantly widens the number of service points available to first-time applicants, reducing the need to travel to National Registration Bureau offices or sub-county registration centres.
“Need a new ID? Visit these Huduma Centres,” Huduma Kenya said in the notice, encouraging eligible applicants to take advantage of the expanded service.
Centres now offering registration services
According to the agency, new national identity card applications are now being processed at Huduma Centres located in Baringo, Bomet, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Eldoret, Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kibra, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitale, Kitui, Kwale, Lamu, Machakos, Makadara, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Vihiga and West Pokot.
The expansion is expected to make registration services more accessible, particularly for residents living in remote areas where government registration offices are limited.
Improving access to essential services
A national identity card remains one of the most important official documents issued by the Kenyan government. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship and is required to access a wide range of public and private services.
The document is necessary when opening bank accounts, registering mobile money services, applying for passports, securing formal employment, enrolling in higher education institutions, obtaining a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN, registering as a voter and accessing various government programmes.
By increasing the number of registration centres, the government hopes to reduce travel costs, ease congestion at existing offices and improve the overall efficiency of service delivery.
Relief for first-time applicants
The move is expected to particularly benefit thousands of young Kenyans who have recently become eligible to apply for their first national identity cards.
For years, many applicants have faced long journeys and lengthy queues before accessing registration services. The additional Huduma Centres are expected to shorten waiting times and simplify the application process ahead of the 2027 General Election, when possession of a national ID will be essential for voter registration and participation.
Faster processing through digital reforms
The latest rollout builds on reforms announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen in 2025 aimed at modernising Kenya’s civil registration systems.
At the time, Murkomen said technological improvements would reduce the processing period for new national identity cards to as little as three days, replacing the lengthy waiting periods that have historically affected many applicants, particularly in underserved regions.
The reforms form part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda intended to improve the speed and accessibility of public services.
Applicants advised to carry required documents
Huduma Kenya has urged applicants to visit any of the designated centres during official working hours with all the necessary supporting documents to avoid delays in processing.
The agency has not announced a closing date for the expanded registration programme, meaning eligible Kenyans can continue applying at participating centres as services remain available.
Huduma Centres continue to operate as one-stop service centres offering a wide range of government services, including passport support, birth certificate applications, driving licence services, tax assistance and other citizen registration services.
