State told to scrap tedious process of acquiring IDs for applicants of Somali origin

By: Grace Kamau/Abdihakim

GARISSA—Residents have called on the government to simplify the process of obtaining identity cards for citizens living on the border areas.

Speaking during the opening of the Ombudsman’s regional office in Garissa, a section of the citizens present complained over tedious processes which involve vetting and having to wait long for approval before receiving their IDs.

Ambassador Abdikadir, who is a representative for the youth of the North Eastern region raised concerns on the vetting process during the issuance of the identification cards.

“Unlike other parts of the country, the vetting process in North Eastern region has always been a tedious one while getting our identity cards. Having gone through that rigorous process, our papers are rejected multiple times before we finally get hold of our identification cards,” submitted Abdikadir.

The Commission of Administrative Justice (CAJ) has called on both national and county government officers to serve their citizens diligently without any kind of discrimination. @KenyasOmbudsman https://t.co/Dxo8tHFZTU

— Kulan Post (@kulanpost) September 23, 2022

He added, they should be treated equally in service delivery across all sectors.

Garissa County Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane who was the chief guest also echoed the same concerns about the issuance of the identification cards and the vetting process and urged the commission to take up the concerns and bring the matter to closure once and for all.

He further vowed to work with the Ombudsman in ensuring that residents access information as required in law, and ease the process of acquiring the national identity cards and passports.

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) Florence Kajuju assured residents their concerns will be addressed, more so, the issue of vetting.

“Our members will be in that vetting process to streamline the process and address your issues immediately,” Kajuju said.