Kindiki dismisses opposition, says ID vetting must end

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed opposition criticism over the government’s plan to conclude the ongoing national identification vetting exercise, insisting that the process is both lawful and necessary.

Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, Kindiki, during a meeting with leaders from the North Eastern region, said the vetting of identity card applications had been abused for years, causing unnecessary delays and discrimination against certain communities.

He maintained that ending the practice would help streamline the registration of citizens and prevent corrupt officers from exploiting the system.

“The ID vetting system, as it has existed, has been misused. It must come to an end. Every eligible Kenyan has a right to a national identity card without facing unnecessary hurdles,” Kindiki said, adding that the government was committed to ensuring faster and fairer registration for all.

The opposition has strongly opposed the move, arguing that the vetting process serves as a safeguard against fraud and illegal documentation. Some leaders have accused the government of rushing the decision without consulting affected communities and stakeholders.

However, Kindiki dismissed these claims, stating that the government had conducted extensive consultations and that the reforms were part of a broader strategy to modernise citizen registration systems.

He cited ongoing digital transformation efforts within the Interior Ministry, including the roll-out of new biometric registration tools, as proof of the government’s preparedness.

The future of identification in Kenya is digital, transparent, and corruption-free,” he said. “We will not be swayed by political theatrics when it comes to protecting the rights of our citizens.”

The vetting exercise has been a controversial issue for months, particularly in northern and coastal regions, where residents have frequently reported discrimination during registration.

The announcement comes as the government accelerates plans to introduce a unified digital ID that will integrate personal data across various state services.

The new system is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026, replacing multiple forms of identification and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.