Government reforms aimed at simplifying access to national identity cards are removing barriers that have long denied many Kenyans access to public services, jobs and democratic participation, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo has said.
Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Daniel Oluoch Wandayi in Ugunja, Siaya County on Friday, Dr Omollo said President William Ruto had directed that all eligible Kenyans should be issued with national identity cards without unnecessary hurdles.
He said the reforms were intended to promote inclusion, equity and national cohesion by ensuring every Kenyan could access government services and participate fully in national development.
“Access to identification documents is about citizenship, inclusion and dignity. No Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack an identity document,” he said.
Dr Omollo said thousands of eligible adults still lacked national identity cards, preventing them from accessing essential government services, employment opportunities and voter registration.
He said the ongoing nationwide registration drive was designed to ensure every eligible Kenyan was counted, represented and able to benefit from government programmes.
The PS said the reforms formed part of President Ruto’s broader agenda of ensuring no region or community was left behind.
He added that the government was also expanding access to public services by operationalising new administrative units across the country.
In Siaya County, Dr Omollo announced that Sikalame Division would become operational, with a newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner expected to assume office next week.
Recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly created locations and sub-locations is also underway.
“Bringing government closer to the people remains a key priority. We want wananchi to access services conveniently and efficiently without travelling long distances,” he said.
Dr Omollo acknowledged that Siaya had fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties but said consultations between the Interior Ministry, local leaders and the county government had agreed to prioritise the county in the next phase of creating additional administrative units.
He also urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying enrolment in Siaya currently stands at 52 percent.
“We have made progress, but more households need to enrol so they can benefit from the government’s universal healthcare programme,” he said.
Paying tribute to the late Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, Dr Omollo described him as a dedicated educationist whose commitment to teaching and mentorship had shaped generations of learners.
He encouraged parents to continue investing in education, calling it the greatest equaliser and a pathway to opportunity.
The PS said the government had expanded investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and skills development programmes to equip young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
He also warned politicians against inciting young people to engage in violence for political ends.
“Young people should never allow themselves to be used to settle political scores. Their energy and talents should be directed towards education, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building,” he said.
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