Kipchumba Murkomen Launches New Technology to Allow Kenyans Receive IDs in 3 to 7 Days
- Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen explained how the new ID production technology will help Kenyans
- Murkomen encouraged young people to use the current technological system to obtain IDs to exercise their democratic rights
- The CS's move came after President William Ruto issued a new directive on the issuance of national ID cards
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting and offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Kenyans will be able to obtain national identification cards in three to seven days thanks to the groundbreaking technical intervention known as the Mobile Live Capture Unit.
Source: Twitter
The service was introduced in Uasin Gishu county by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen.
According to the CS, the move demonstrates the government's steadfast resolve to provide civil registration services in order to guarantee individuals' security, identity, and access to services.
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He stated that the service is free of charge and that one must be a Kenyan who has received full recognition from the local chief.
He spoke during the formal unveiling at the County Commissioner's Office in Eldoret.
"In areas where registration has long been seen as a privilege rather than a right, the initiative supports the government's larger goal of using innovation and technology to enhance public service delivery, particularly for historically underserved populations, and rebuild trust between the public and state institutions," Murkomen explained, as reported by MyGov.
How will new tech help Kenyans?
Murkomen encouraged young people to use the current technological system to obtain IDs to exercise their democratic rights, such as voting in elections.
He emphasised the advantages of the essential document for identification purposes, employment access, social security benefits, and financial services, among other things.
He praised the system's efficiency in offering a safe and practical means of managing personal data, accessing services, and engaging in the digital economy.
Data from ID applicants is captured via the Mobile Live Capture Unit, a portable, battery-operated device that is then electronically submitted for processing.
Source: Twitter
The innovation is anticipated to revolutionise national registration, particularly at the grassroots level, by reducing backlogs and long-standing documentation delays in marginalised regions.
Will Kenyans vote using IDs?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that in preparation for the general election in 2027, ODM leader Raila Odinga outlined a comprehensive proposal of electoral reforms that he believes are essential.
In order to cut expenses, he suggests staggering elections, implementing AI in voting procedures, and employing ID cards as voter credentials.
Raila also demanded an end to electoral manipulation at all levels and questioned why Kenyan elections are among the most costly in the world.
Why did Ruto scrap ID fees?
In related news, following popular outrage, President William Ruto issued a new directive on the issuance of national ID cards.
At a public rally in Kibra on Thursday, March 13, the president announced the scrapping of all ID card fees, allowing Kenyans to receive the documents at no cost.
The government had introduced a policy that mandated Kenyans to pay at least KSh 300 for new ID cards and KSh 1000 for replacements.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
