Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo has said the government’s ongoing reforms on national identification card registration are restoring inclusion by removing long-standing barriers that have denied thousands of Kenyans access to government services, economic opportunities and democratic participation.
Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, the brother of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, in Ugunja, Siaya County, Dr. Omollo said President William Ruto had directed that every eligible Kenyan be issued with a national identity card without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
He said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration was implementing the directive fairly and without discrimination to ensure all citizens can access public services and fully participate 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,” Dr. Omollo said.
The Principal Secretary noted that many adults across the country still lack national identity cards and voter registration documents, effectively locking them out of essential government programmes and economic opportunities.
He said the nationwide registration exercise is aimed at ensuring every Kenyan is counted, represented and able to benefit from government development initiatives.
According to Dr. Omollo, the reforms form part of President Ruto’s broader agenda of promoting equity, national cohesion and inclusive development by ensuring that no community or region is left behind.
The PS also outlined progress in strengthening grassroots administration through the operationalisation of new administrative units across the country.
He announced that Sikalame Division in Siaya County is currently being operationalised, 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.
Dr. Omollo acknowledged that Siaya has fewer administrative units compared to neighbouring counties, revealing that consultations between the Ministry of Interior, county leadership and local leaders had resulted in an agreement to prioritise the county during the next phase of gazettement.
“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.
On healthcare, the PS urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that Siaya County has achieved a 52 per cent registration rate.
While commending the progress, he called on leaders and residents to intensify public sensitisation campaigns to ensure more households benefit from the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme.
Dr. Omollo also paid glowing tribute to the late Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, describing him as a distinguished educationist whose dedication to teaching and mentorship positively transformed generations of learners.
He challenged parents to continue investing in education, describing it as the greatest equaliser and the surest path to economic empowerment and social transformation.
The PS added that the government has committed unprecedented resources to the education sector, including expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and strengthening skills development programmes to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the country’s political climate, Dr. Omollo warned against the increasing trend of politicians exploiting young people to engage in violence and criminal activities.
“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.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, efficient service delivery and national unity, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration would continue implementing programmes that guarantee every Kenyan an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country’s development.
The burial ceremony was attended by ODM Party Leader Senator Oburu Odinga, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, Ugunja MP Moses Omondi, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, alongside other national and county leaders.
