Abolishing extra vetting for IDs good for Kenya

For the last 60 years, national identification (ID) card registration vetting procedures in border regions have disproportionately affected certain ethnic communities.

The extra vetting enforced in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Lamu, Tana River and Turkana counties, was introduced as a national security measure to prevent non-citizens from obtaining Kenyan identification documents. However, this process led to systemic discrimination, particularly against Somali-Kenyans, Nubians, Arabs and Asians, who often faced delays, exclusion from essential services, and economic hardships due to the extensive documentation required to prove citizenship.

These barriers not only disenfranchised affected communities but also exacerbated socio-economic inequalities across the region. In February 2025, President William Ruto issued a directive abolishing extra vetting for ID registration in these border counties. This is a step toward inclusivity and equality, ensuring all Kenyans can access national identification without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

However, while the directive is widely welcomed, its implementation presents challenges related to national security, logistical constraints, political manipulation, and administrative capacity. But there are benefits. With the removal of these barriers, more people can now acquire IDs without facing ethnic profiling or systemic exclusion.

Ending discretionary vetting also aligns with Kenya’s constitutional principles of equal treatment under the law. Citizens in border counties will now have the same access to documentation as those in other parts of the country.

A national ID is more than just an identity document but a gateway to essential services such as education, healthcare, banking, and employment. Without one, individuals are unable to enroll in schools, register for mobile banking, or access government services. The new directive will allow previously excluded communities to fully participate in social and economic activities, improving their livelihoods and financial inclusion.

The directive is also expected to increase voter registration by ensuring border communities can exercise their democratic rights. In the past, many eligible voters were unable to register due to lack of identification, effectively disenfranchising them in national elections.

One of the primary concerns with removing extra vetting is the potential risk to national security, particularly in border regions near Somalia, which have historically experienced terrorist threats from groups such as Al-Shabaab. Without an alternative security framework, the government risks creating gaps that could be exploited by hostile actors. There is also a risk that the policy could be politicised. Given the various concerns with the implementation of the new directive, several steps will have to be taken to ensure the new directive is executed effectively and equitably.

To enhance security and prevent fraud, the government could consider implementing biometric registration and AI-driven monitoring, conduct background checks using security databases while avoiding discriminatory profiling, and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and the Civil Registration Department.

-The writer is a researcher at Mashariki Research and Policy Centre.