Ongoing ID registration drive in Kondele, Kisumu/Faith Matete 
Ongoing ID registration drive in Kondele, Kisumu/ Faith Matete Hundreds of Kisumu residents turned up for a three-day free national identification card registration exercise that has seen more than 3,000 people apply for the crucial document.
The initiative, sponsored by Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, was conducted across four centres: Kondele, Kosao in Manyatta, Mama Grace Onyango Hall, and Pandpieri in Nyalenda, drawing long queues throughout the period.
According to officials coordinating the activity, 2,712 first-time applicants had been registered by the end of the second day.
The figures were expected to rise to at least 3,500 by the close of the exercise on Friday evening. Organisers attributed the high turnout to the removal of transport and processing costs, which often hinder many young people from applying for IDs.
Mauren Nyambwa, one of the coordinators, said the response from the public surpassed their initial projections.
“The three-day exercise has been very successful. People came out in huge numbers because the burden of transport and processing was lifted from them. We are requesting PS Omollo to consider extending the programme so that more residents can benefit,” she said.
At Kondele, some residents described the exercise as timely, noting that many young people have been unable to access job opportunities, register SIM cards or apply for government services due to a lack of identification documents.
Lucas Otieno, a trader who witnessed the process, said access to IDs has remained a challenge for many low-income families.
“This programme has warmed the hearts of many people here. For years, some youths have had to postpone applying for IDs because they cannot afford the associated costs. Bringing the service closer to them has helped bridge that gap,” he said.
While several residents expressed appreciation for the PS’s support for the exercise, others urged government agencies to consider making such mobile registration drives more regular, especially in informal settlements where many young people struggle with documentation hurdles.
Youth leader Dave Owango said the turnout reflected the demand for identification among young adults.
“Many people here simply needed access. If such initiatives happen more often, we won’t have situations where thousands lack IDs,” he noted.
Officials overseeing the process said the registration teams were able to handle the crowds without major disruptions, adding that the data collected will be forwarded for processing within the usual timelines.
The exercise ends as communities in Kisumu continue to call for sustained outreach programmes to ensure more residents, especially first-time applicants, are documented and able to access essential services.
