Government says over 350,000 IDs lie uncollected at various centres

The government says up to 375,963 identification documents lie uncollected at various centres.

But even as interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho made the revelations he added millions of other applicants have been complaining there is a delay in processing their IDs.

The new applicants are clutching to waiting cards for the past months as they visit application centres in vain.

Kibicho said since he launched an SMS and Whatsapp network for interaction, most people have complained they don’t get their identity cards in time.

He said he will pursue the applications and ensure they are processed and owners get the documents.

The PS said Coast has 27,469, Central 54,467, Eastern 32,334, Nairobi 45,083, Nyanza 44,699, Rift Valley 81,243, Western 22,732 and Huduma centres 57,583 uncollected IDs.

The IDs have been processed and are lying at the centres and need to be collected, said Kibicho.

Kibicho Tuesday said since he launched an SMS and Whatsapp network for interaction, most people have complained they don’t get their identity cards in time.

Kibicho wants those who have waiting cards taken before December 2015 to send the details to 0719777719 and 0780719750.

“Since we opened this medium of communication, Kenyans have brought to our attention a number of issues that need to be addressed. One of them is the delay in issuance of identification cards, a very crucial and vital document for Kenyans,” said Kibicho.

He said an ID is a crucial document and they shall ensure all those who legally meet requirements have it.

The issuance of IDs is under the ministry of interior. Interior ministry provided the public numbers and asked Kenyans to use them for WhatsApp, SMS interaction on security, graft issues.

Also provided were twitter handles, emails and Facebook accounts and picture portal for the two officials that can be used for interaction.

The ministry has also launched its website- interior.go.ke that officials say will be used for interaction.

This is seen as part of efforts to address the issues, which are proving hard for the ministry. Corruption has been cited to be rampant in the ministry, which is under the office of the president.