By Christopher Omondi
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a critical report on the enhanced voter registration exercise, which concluded on April 30, 2026. Notably, Kisumu County achieved only 65.41% of its voter registration target, significantly lagging behind other regions. Emmanuel Bahati, the IEBC’s Kisumu East Coordinator, underscores that this shortfall is “largely due to uncollected national identity cards, particularly among youth aged 18-22.”
The persistent issues of processing delays, absent registration officers, and the inconvenience of distant registration centers have left many adults without national identity cards, directly impacting their ability to participate in the registration exercise. Community frustration is mounting over the backlog of national identity cards, especially in Manyatta B, where even middle-aged adults are affected.
As Maurine Nyambwa articulates, “This exercise reflected the demand for identification among young adults. If such initiatives happen more often, we won’t have situations where thousands lack identity cards.” She argues for a more flexible and inclusive approach, since many youth lack essential documents, such as birth certificates, which are necessary to obtain an Identity Card.
The current situation is exacerbated by delays in processing identity cards that have been returned for corrections. The lack of notification when these cards are ready leads to repeated disappointment, as individuals continually visit collection centers, often to no avail.
In response to the growing concern, Huduma Centre has made multiple announcements urging the public to collect their national identity cards. A recent statement declared, “Thousands of documents are ready for collection, pass by today and pick yours; let’s reduce the backlog together.” Furthermore, the Kenya Youth Transition Initiative (KYTI) has organized national identity card collection events at locations like the Jomo Kenyatta International Sportsground and the Kondele roundabout, actively engaging youth to secure their national identity cards.
Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, has emphasized that these IDs are available in Huduma Centers and various government offices. He asserted, “More than 450,000 national ID cards remain uncollected across the country. Please go back to where you registered and collect your ID.”
Addressing the backlog of eligible citizens is vital for a thriving democracy. Each voice holds value, and active participation allows individuals to shape the decisions affecting their lives. By breaking down barriers to engagement, we promote a more inclusive representation, fostering trust in democratic processes. A diverse array of perspectives enriches our dialogue and ensures that government reflects the values and needs of its citizens. Recognizing this responsibility is crucial for facilitating greater civic engagement and reinforcing the foundations of our democratic system.
