MPs raise alarm over 2,000 uncollected IDs in Limuru constituency
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 11, 2026Members of the National Assembly have expressed concern over delays in the issuance of national identity cards and the growing number of uncollected IDs in the Limuru constituency, Kiambu County.
The concern emerged during an oversight visit by the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, which inspected civil registration services in Limuru and Lari sub-counties. The lawmakers sought to assess service delivery challenges affecting the issuance of identity cards, birth certificates, and other civil registration documents.
“Members of the National Assembly have raised concern over persistent delays in the processing of national identity cards, a growing backlog of uncollected IDs, and systemic inefficiencies in registration services, following an oversight visit to Limuru and Lari Sub-Counties in Kiambu,” a statement shared on National Assembly social media pages on April 11, 2026, said.
The committee noted that more than 2,000 national identity cards remain uncollected in Limuru, raising questions over inefficiencies in notification systems and public awareness. Legislators warned that the backlog could pose administrative and security risks if not addressed urgently.
“Mr Eric Mwaura, the Principal Registration Officer in Limuru constituency, revealed that the sub-county is grappling with a backlog of about 2,000 uncollected national identity cards, raising both financial and security concerns.”
ID collection
Officials from the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, which is led by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, attributed the delays to several operational challenges, including inadequate staffing, insufficient infrastructure, and frequent system breakdowns.
They also pointed to delays in the supply of registration materials such as forms and biometric equipment, which are centrally procured and distributed from Nairobi.
Lawmakers further raised concerns over the lack of an automated system to notify applicants when their documents are ready for collection. The absence of digital communication tools was cited as a key factor contributing to the accumulation of uncollected IDs.
ID registration challenges
The committee also highlighted challenges linked to increased demand for registration services, especially in fast-growing areas such as Limuru, where economic activities in tea plantations and manufacturing industries continue to attract job seekers from different regions.
In addition, legislators questioned lingering administrative practices that continue to slow down the registration process, including outdated verification procedures in some regions and inconsistencies in document processing timelines.
Civil registration officers reported that while processing times have improved in some instances, delays still occur due to system downtimes and shortages of essential equipment. They also noted that understaffing and limited office space have further strained service delivery.
The committee emphasised the need for reforms, including improved digitisation of registration services, better coordination between government agencies, and increased budgetary allocation to strengthen operations at the local level.
Lawmakers also recommended enhanced public sensitisation to encourage timely collection of identity documents and reduce backlog cases in registration offices.
The committee is expected to compile a report outlining policy recommendations aimed at improving efficiency in the national registration system and ensuring easier access to identity documents across the country.