The government says ongoing reforms to the national identification system are helping more Kenyans access public services, development programmes and democratic processes by removing long-standing barriers to obtaining identity documents.
Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Daniel Oluoch Wandayi in Ugunja, Siaya County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said President William Ruto had directed that all eligible Kenyans receive national identification documents without unnecessary hurdles.
He said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is implementing the directive fairly to ensure every Kenyan can access government services and participate fully in national development.
Government pushes inclusive access to ID documents
Omollo described access to national identity cards as a matter of citizenship, dignity and inclusion, saying no Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack identification documents.
He noted that many adults across the country still do not possess national identity cards or voter registration documents, limiting their ability to benefit from public services and economic opportunities.
According to the PS, the ongoing registration drive aims to ensure all eligible Kenyans are documented, represented and able to participate in national development initiatives.
He added that the reforms are part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader agenda of promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring no community is left behind.
New administrative units to improve service delivery
Omollo also outlined progress in expanding government services through the operationalisation of new administrative units.
He announced that Sikalame Division in Siaya County is being operationalised, with a newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner expected to assume office next week.
The government is also recruiting chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly established locations and sub-locations.
The PS acknowledged that Siaya has fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties and said consultations involving the ministry, local leaders and county officials had agreed to prioritise the county during the next phase of gazetting new administrative units.
He said bringing government services closer to wananchi remains a key priority to reduce the distance residents travel to access public services.
Call for increased SHA registration
Omollo urged residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that Siaya’s registration rate currently stands at 52 per cent.
While commending the progress made so far, he encouraged leaders and residents to intensify public awareness efforts to improve enrolment under the government’s universal healthcare programme.
Education and youth empowerment
Paying tribute to the late Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, Omollo described him as a dedicated educationist whose work positively influenced generations of learners.
He encouraged parents to continue investing in education, describing it as a key driver of social and economic transformation.
The PS said the government has invested significantly in education, including expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and skills development programmes aimed at preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
Warning against political violence
Omollo cautioned political leaders against using young people to fuel violence and unrest.
He urged youth to channel their energy into education, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building instead of allowing themselves to be manipulated for political interests.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, improved service delivery and national unity, saying ongoing reforms are intended to ensure every Kenyan has an equal opportunity to benefit from the country’s development.
The burial ceremony was attended by several national and county leaders, including ODM leader Oburu Odinga, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, and a number of Members of Parliament from across the region.
