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Kenyans can now expect to receive their new identity cards within just 21 days, thanks to a new initiative implemented by the government.
This involves the introduction of a 24-hour printing drive and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art ID card printing machine by the agency overseeing the process.
Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship Services, announced the procurement of the new printer, aimed at significantly boosting the capacity of the National Registration Bureau.
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This move is intended to address the backlog of ID card applications, which has been exacerbated by various factors including a court injunction on the Maisha Card project.
Bitok emphasized that the backlog, which had reached up to 400,000 IDs awaiting printing, has been steadily cleared since February following the court’s decision to lift the injunction.
He assured that the new system and enhanced capacity would ensure that new applications are processed within the stipulated 21-day timeframe as per the agency’s service charter.
Despite challenges such as the court-ordered halt on printing in November 2023, Bitok revealed that over 600,000 new IDs have already been printed since February. However, the existing printer’s capacity falls short of meeting the daily demand, especially during peak seasons such as when students require IDs for various purposes.
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To address this, Bitok announced plans to introduce an additional machine capable of printing 25,000-30,000 IDs per day, which would significantly improve efficiency.
Moreover, efforts will be made to expedite the processing of IDs for Kenyans residing in remote regions like Turkana and Mandera, with a commitment to ensure that they receive their IDs within 30 days.
Looking ahead, Bitok also outlined the government’s long-term goal of transitioning to the Maisha Digital ID for all citizens within three years.
This initiative is expected to streamline various processes that require identification documents, providing a significant relief for Kenyans.
