Hundreds of youths in Kisumu Central Sub-county have turned up in large numbers to participate in the ongoing mobile registration for national identity cards.
According to Kondele Chief Maurice Ajwang, the biggest challenge remains the high number of residents without IDs, including those who lost their documents or lack access to their parents’ identification cards. He urged families to support their relatives in securing this crucial document.
“The main challenges we’ve noted are that many don’t have ID cards, others lost theirs, and some have no parents’ IDs required for registration. I want to ask relatives to step in and help their own acquire this important document,” Ajwang’ said.
He said the mobile registration exercise will run for three days at the Kondele flyover. Those unable to register within the set timeline have been advised to visit the DC’s office, DO’s office, or Huduma Centre. Ajwang further noted that President William Ruto waived all charges, making the acquisition of ID cards completely free, warning that anyone demanding money will face arrest.
He also applauded Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo for facilitating the exercise in Kondele, Kisumu Central.
“For those who may not make it within the three days, they can still visit the DC’s office or the Huduma Centre. The mobile ID registration is free, and I urge those without IDs to take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.
Maurine Nyambwa, a Kondele resident, said the number of registration officers is too low compared to the overwhelming turnout. She added that the required documents are numerous and difficult for most residents to provide.
“Most people don’t have birth certificates, baptismal cards, or their parents’ ID cards. Some lost these documents in fires and floods. The government should make the process simpler by reducing the number of required documents and questions,” she said.
Another resident, Kennedy Onyango, thanked the government for rolling out the mobile registration exercise, saying many young people are eager to vote in the 2027 General Election but lack ID cards.
“We appreciate the government for bringing this service closer to us. Youths should come out and register for new IDs since it’s free. However, the government should increase the number of staff to speed up the process,” he said.
The youths expressed hope that they will receive their ID cards in time to register as voters with the IEBC ahead of their first participation in the 2027 polls.
The ongoing ID registration campaign targets 6.3 million new voters, according to the Commission.
