Nairobi: The Elgeyo Marakwet county government is set to collaborate with the registrar of persons to facilitate a two-week mass registration exercise aimed at providing national identity cards to residents. The registration effort will take place from September 29th to October 11th, targeting individuals who currently lack IDs, which are essential for their enrollment with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Wisley Rotich emphasized the urgency of the initiative, highlighting that the absence of IDs among many residents is a major barrier to their registration with the SHA. Despite the county's high ranking in SHA registration, the lack of identification documents continues to impede further progress.
Governor Rotich urged residents to participate in the large-scale exercise, which will be conducted in 10 trading centers across the five sub-counties of Keiyo South, Keiyo North, Marakwet West, Marakwet East, and Kerio Valley. The initiative aims to bring registration services closer to the people, thereby minimizing travel distances and reducing transportation costs.
In an effort to maximize turnout, Rotich appealed to Community Health Promoters (CHP's), chiefs, ward administrators, the clergy, and other opinion leaders to inform residents about the registration exercise. He encouraged all individuals aged 18 and above, as well as those who have lost their IDs, to take advantage of the exercise for either obtaining new IDs or replacing lost ones.
The governor expressed concern over the significant loss of access to government services due to the lack of valid identification documents, underscoring the importance of the upcoming registration drive.