By Our reporter
Wajir County leaders on Friday met chiefs from all 30 wards across the county to strengthen the issuance of national identity cards, encourage eligible residents to register as voters and improve access to government registration services.
The meeting brought together chiefs from Wajir’s six constituencies alongside county and national government officials, representatives of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the Office of the Registrar of Persons.
The discussions focused on increasing the uptake of national identity cards, facilitating the collection of unclaimed IDs and improving coordination to reach residents in remote parts of the county.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said the county government would provide logistical support to registration officers working in hard-to-reach areas to ensure eligible residents could access identity registration services.
“As the County Government, we will support this exercise by providing logistical assistance to registration officers serving remote and hard to reach areas so that no eligible resident is left behind,” the governor said
The governor linked the initiative to the government’s decision to remove additional vetting requirements for applicants seeking national identity cards in North Eastern Kenya.
“The removal of extra vetting by H.E William Samoei Ruto in the issuance of national identity cards marked a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment for all Kenyans,” Abdullahi said. “For the people of North Eastern Kenya, it lifted a long standing barrier and reaffirmed their right to access government services without unnecessary hurdles.”
The governor urged chiefs to intensify public awareness campaigns and assist residents in obtaining national identity cards, describing the document as essential for accessing public services and participating in elections.
“I urged our Chiefs to continue creating public awareness and assisting residents to obtain their national identity cards. This document is the gateway to government services, economic opportunities, and full participation in our country’s democratic process,” he said.
Senator Abass Sheikh Mohamed also underscored the role of local administrators in connecting citizens with government services and promoting civic participation.
“Chiefs play an important role in our society by linking citizens with government services, creating public awareness, and ensuring every eligible resident can access their rights and opportunities,” the senator said
The senator called on eligible residents to apply for national identity cards, collect unclaimed identification documents and register as voters.
“I emphasized the need for every eligible resident to apply for a national identity card, collect any unclaimed ID, and register as a voter. These are not only civic responsibilities but also essential steps towards accessing government services, unlocking economic opportunities, and ensuring full participation in our democratic process,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed, the Wajir County Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioners, representatives of the IEBC and officials from the Office of the Registrar of Persons.
