Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to roll out a second phase of mobile national ID registration in marginalised areas, as the government moves to address gaps that have left many adults without the vital document.

Murkomen said the exercise will target remote and underserved regions where some citizens have never been registered, despite being eligible under the law. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during a visit to Samburu North Sub-County, where he met local leaders and residents.

“While in the area, I came face to face with the reality of adults who have never registered for national ID cards. We will commence a second phase of mobile ID registration exercise in marginalised areas to ensure everyone can acquire the vital document,” he said.

The CS noted that improved security in Samburu County had made it easier for the government to expand services. He said ongoing peace-building efforts had created space for development programmes, including administrative reforms and improved access to public services.

Murkomen also said the government would strengthen its presence in the region by setting up new administrative units and police stations, particularly in areas affected by banditry. He added that the creation of Samburu West Sub-County and new government offices would be officially launched in the coming weeks.

Govt reforms ease ID access barriers

The second phase of mobile registration comes amid wider national reforms aimed at removing long-standing barriers to ID access. Earlier in 2026, the government scrapped extra vetting procedures and removed fees for ID applications and replacements, in a move intended to improve registration rates in historically marginalised counties.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the reforms were designed to ensure equal access to identification documents across the country.

“His Excellency President Ruto took away the requirement for extra vetting for the residents of those counties so that they could be able to access identification documents just like the rest of Kenyans,” Omollo said during a registration drive in Migori County.

Faster ID processing rollout

The government has also introduced faster ID processing timelines in a bid to improve access to identification documents. Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said applicants in Nairobi can now receive their national IDs on the same day, while those outside the capital can expect processing within three to seven days.

“Our cards are now delivered between three and seven days, and if you are in Nairobi, you can even get them the same day,” Kipsang said.

He added that the reforms follow investment in digital systems aimed at reducing delays and improving efficiency in the issuance of identity documents across the country.

The government has also scrapped application and replacement fees as part of the broader reforms targeting easier access to national IDs.