The growing complaints and cries by many Kenyans who do not have national identification cards have caught the eye of the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman). For a while now, the processing of National ID cards has been marred by serious delays. Today in Kenya, it can take up to 6 months to get an ID card whether it’s as a first-time applicant or a replacement.
Giving credence to digital advocacy, the commission noted this matter has been brought to light due to complaints on various media platforms.
“Pursuant to section 8 of the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, 2011, the Commission takes cognisance of serious complaints published on various media platforms over the delay in processing and issuance of ID cards,” read the notice from the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman office has given the Director, National Registration Bureau seven days to respond giving reasons as to why the massive delay exists. The commission wants the director to outline all the challenges the department is facing that has made the issuance and processing of ID cards strenuous.
Secondly, the director has been requested to point out all the steps being taken to bring an end to the current crisis. Lastly, the department should give the standard timeline for processing of IDs.
In Kenya, the Ombudsman office serves as a public defender and is mandated to take on maladministration in the public sector. In this regard, the Commission is empowered to, among other things, investigate complaints of delay, abuse of power, unfair treatment, manifest injustice or discourtesy.
September University and College Intake
This much needed intervention comes just 30 days before Kenyans seeking to enrol in public universities and colleges are admitted. During admission and for application of student loans (HELB), they must have national identification cards.
“Parents and students enrolling in various higher learning institutions are expressing concerns over inordinate delays adversely affecting their right to apply for critical public services, including financing from the Higher Education Loans Board, traveling documents, and employment opportunities, among others,” the commission added.
It is also just six days after a high court ordered the government to pause the issuance of its new digital IDs dubbed, Maisha Card.
