Stop discrimination in issuance of IDs

To have a National Identity (ID) Card is a constitutional right for every Kenyan. The fact that the document is very vital does not need to be expounded. Anyone that is over 18 without the crucial document becomes an alien in his or her own country of birth and for that matter a stateless!

It is, therefore, disheartening that despite President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing an order that IDs be issued within three days, to enable members of the public register as voters, in some centers people are still being discriminated against.

 The practice is rife in Endebess, a constituency that borders Uganda in Trans-Nzoia County where some people are turned away from registration centers. Discrimination based on perceived political consideration is also rampant.

At times mobile registration centers are set up, without consideration of distance and time the target group will avail themselves to be enlisted, pointing out to a possible plan to ensure a section of the public do not register.

Registration officials should professional execute their mandate and not fall for plots by some selfish politicians who are keen on seeing part of the population disenfranchised.

Anyone who has attained 18 years is entitled to be given an ID card, regardless of which tribe or ethnic group they come from.

Young people should not be denied an opportunity to get employed, joining a self-help group, opening a bank account or having an M-PESA account ,and more importantly taking part in the civic duty of voting simply because they do not have IDs because of their sir names.

 The mentality of treating IDs as a political tool should also desist, as it is partly to blame for fueling the discrimination experienced by youths in Endebess and other parts of the Country.
 
I also appeal to President Kenyatta to personally intervene and ensure the usual stringent requirement for one to prove they are Kenyan-which is doing a disservice to the majority of young people in the border areas, as innumerable are failing this test- is done away with.