President William Ruto has officially abolished the mandatory vetting process for residents of Northern Kenya seeking to obtain national identity cards (IDs) in a historic move aimed at fostering equality and ending decades of discrimination. This policy shift was announced during a public ceremony at Orahey Grounds in Wajir Town, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s quest for equitable treatment under Kenyan law.
President Ruto’s decree ends a 60-year-old practice that required residents of border counties, particularly those in the North Eastern region, to undergo rigorous vetting before they could secure identification documents. This vetting, often seen as a form of ethnic profiling, was initially implemented as a security measure following the Shifta insurgency in the 1960s. However, over the years, it became a source of frustration and exclusion for many Kenyans, who viewed it as an impediment to their constitutional rights.
“Today, we declare that all Kenyans are equal. The discriminatory vetting process that has caused our fellow citizens in Northern Kenya to suffer is over,” President Ruto stated as he signed the Presidential Proclamation on Registration and Issuance of IDs to Border Counties. He emphasized that this move would ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their regional or ethnic background, are treated with the same dignity and opportunity when applying for essential documents.
The abolition of this vetting process is expected to streamline access to national IDs, which are crucial for various aspects of civic life, including voting, employment, banking, and travel. Critics of the former system argued that it not only delayed ID issuance but also disenfranchised many from participating fully in the economic and political life of the nation.
The decision has been met with widespread approval from local leaders and residents. Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale praised the move, describing it as a “victory for inclusivity and national cohesion.” He highlighted how the vetting process had historically marginalized communities in the region, creating barriers to education, health services, and economic opportunities.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Some voices, including opposition leaders and security analysts, have expressed concerns over potential security risks, suggesting that the absence of vetting might facilitate unauthorized access to Kenyan citizenship. Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, among others, has criticized the move as a political strategy aimed at securing votes for the upcoming 2027 elections.
In response to these concerns, President Ruto assured that the government would still conduct necessary checks but within a framework that respects the constitutional rights of all citizens. “We are not abandoning security; we are adjusting our methods to ensure they are fair and transparent,” he clarified.
This policy change is part of a broader initiative by the Ruto administration to address historical injustices and promote national unity. Alongside this, the President announced plans to invest in infrastructure and public services in the region, including a significant electricity connectivity project and the reopening of a passport issuance office.
As Kenya looks forward, this decision by President Ruto is seen as a step toward a more inclusive and equitable nation, where every citizen can partake in the country’s development without unnecessary barriers. However, the implementation of these new guidelines will be closely watched to ensure they do not inadvertently create new forms of discrimination or security vulnerabilities.
