On April 29th, the Kenyan Ministry of Interior led by Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced a significant reform regarding foreigners obtaining IDs.
Effective May 1st, chiefs in local communities will assume oversight of the process by which foreigners acquire national identity cards. This decision replaces the previously established vetting committees, which had attracted criticism for their discriminatory practices. The Ministry’s decision follows a meeting with local chiefs and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing concerns about the prior system. Many foreigners faced an unpredictable and unfair vetting process, leading to difficulties in obtaining official identification.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasizes that the new guidelines focus on streamlined services, transparency, and accountability. The revised system prioritizes both national security and inclusivity. This reform stems from a directive issued by President William Ruto during an Iftar dinner on April 8th. Recognizing complaints about the vetting system, President Ruto called for its abolition and the development of a new policy framework. His vision is for a system that mirrors the process for Kenyan citizens, eliminating discrimination based on religion or origin.
The previous vetting process, established in the 1960s, required individuals from Kenya’s Northern frontier to undergo extensive nationality verification before receiving identification documents. Critics condemned the system for facilitating ethnic profiling and creating an unfair burden for certain communities. While the new system aims to eliminate such discriminatory practices, vigilance remains essential. The absence of vetting procedures necessitates robust safeguards to prevent potential misuse or exploitation of the revised process.
