How to apply for a national ID at the Huduma Centre
By Aloys Michael, January 13, 2026National Identification (ID) Cards are government-issued documents provided to Kenyan citizens once they attain the age of 18.
They act as a primary form of identification and are required for key activities such as voting, accessing public services, and conducting financial transactions like opening bank accounts.
This article outlines the procedure for applying for a national ID through Huduma Kenya Centres, one-stop service points established by the government to make public service delivery more efficient.
By centralising services, Huduma Centres help minimise delays and simplify processes that are typically time-consuming in conventional government offices.
An applicant must be a Kenyan citizen by birth or registration and be at least 18 years old, present a birth certificate or notification of birth for verification, and submit to fingerprinting and photo capture.
Applicants can complete the process at Huduma Centres nationwide, assistant chiefs’ offices in rural areas, or National Registration Bureau offices, with Huduma Centres offering greater convenience due to shorter waiting times and digital processing.
Documents needed
The applicant must present a birth certificate or a notification of birth, as this document confirms their place and date of birth and establishes their identity. In addition, one or both parents’ national ID cards are required to verify parentage and citizenship.
A school leaving certificate is optional but strongly recommended because it helps confirm personal details such as name and date of birth. The applicant must also provide two passport-sized photographs, although some registration centres may take digital photos on-site.
Finally, the applicant is required to complete Form 23, which is the official application form for registration and is provided at the centre. This form ensures that all personal and legal details are correctly recorded in the system.
The application process
The application process for obtaining a National ID begins by visiting the nearest Huduma Centre or the assistant chief’s office. At the office, the applicant reports to the registration desk to start the process.
The applicant is required to present all necessary documents to the registration officer for verification. After verification, the applicant fills out Form 23 carefully with accurate personal details.
Once the form is completed, the applicant submits biometric information, including fingerprints and a passport-size photograph. After this step, an acknowledgement slip, also known as a waiting card, is issued as proof of application.
The processing period usually takes between 30 and 90 days. After this period, the applicant returns with the waiting card to collect the completed National ID.
Why delays
However, despite presenting the documents, delays in issuing IDs can occur due to a mismatch of credentials, missing copies of parents’ ID cards, or applying in the wrong constituency, as applicants are required to apply where their birth was registered or where their parents reside.
To avoid prolonged waiting, applicants are advised to ensure all details are accurate, attach the required documents, apply in the correct constituency, and trace the status of their application by visiting their local Huduma Centre or by calling the National Registration Bureau customer care line.