The Civil Registration Office in Kiambu Sub-County has moved to allay fears over delays in the issuance of national identity cards, assuring residents that the process is efficient and operating within standard timelines.
The clarification comes amid growing political concern that delays in ID processing could lock out thousands of eligible youth from registering as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Deputy Sub-County Registrar Charity Karanta said the introduction of digital systems has significantly improved the speed and efficiency of ID processing.
“We now have a live capture unit where we capture applicants’ biodata digitally. This way, the process takes about three weeks, and your ID is out,” she said.
Karanta explained that first-time applicants using manual procedures, often due to incomplete documentation, may experience longer processing periods of up to three months. Replacement IDs, she added, are typically processed within one month.
She noted that all applicants must undergo a mandatory vetting process, including verification of documents and endorsement by local administrators such as chiefs before biometric capture is done.
Applicants are required to present key documents, including a birth certificate, KCPE certificate and copies of their parents’ national identity cards.
According to the registrar, awareness levels among young people in Kiambu remain high, with many applying for IDs immediately after turning 18.
“In Kiambu, young people are very aware. As soon as they turn 18, many begin the application process, even during school holidays,” she said.
The office currently processes at least 40 applications daily and releases between 600 and 700 IDs every week. During peak periods, up to 90 IDs can be issued in a single day.
To further ease access, registration officers have intensified outreach programmes in secondary schools, particularly during third term, to ensure students apply early and receive their IDs before sitting for national examinations.
“By the time they complete their KCSE, their IDs are ready, and we deliver them to the schools,” Karanta added.
The update comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues with the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise, targeting 6.3 million new voters nationwide ahead of the 2027 polls.
In Kiambu Constituency, the target for Phase One stands at 9,922 new voters, distributed across Riabai, Township, Ting’ang’a and Ndumberi wards.
Officials have urged eligible residents to register before the closure of the current phase, emphasizing the critical role of voter participation in strengthening democracy.
