• The directive by Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans from different regions, religions and backgrounds. In close to six decades, Kenyans living in border counties have had extra scrutiny in the acquisition of National Identification documents. 

The directive by Kenyan President Dr. William Ruto has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans from different regions, religions and backgrounds. In close to six decades, Kenyans living in border counties have had extra scrutiny in the acquisition of National Identification documents.

The president, during his visit to North Eastern Kenya on February 7, 2025, gave a directive ending the stringent vetting processes in North Eastern, terming them as unjust and discriminatory to legitimate Kenyans from that region, in a bid to ease access to national Identification Documents.

Kenyans from the region have expressed their gratitude and happiness to the president, who has called for an end to what they have referred to as constant harassment and discrimination.

@ WehliyeMohamed on X wrote, " Folks are making it like IDs will now be dished out to anyone who walks into a reg. office in NEP."

However, there are Kenyans with contrary opinions terming the move as detrimental to our national security as people from the neighboring countries will be able to infiltrate Kenyans. Led by Trans-Nzoia governor, George Natembeya, who claims that foreigners would obtain Kenyan National IDs giving them access to sensitive areas with even some being enrolled in national security services.

Leaders from other regions have also called on the president to extend the directives to other regions. Led by Migori governor, Ochilo Ayacko, the move will help residents to get national Identification documents, which is a right of every Kenyan, thus improving service delivery to all. He added that disparities brought about by the stringent vetting process should come to an end.

Will the president's directive compromise our security, as some Kenyans say or is it an opportunity for the nation to be just and fair in the registration of its citizens in the North Eastern Region?