Garissa youth leader Suleiman Ahmed Gedi has urged young people in Garissa County to obtain National Identity Cards and register as voters to fully participate in Kenya’s democratic process and access opportunities that come with citizenship.
Mr. Gedi welcomed President William Samoei Ruto’s decision to abolish the extra vetting process for the issuance of national identity cards, describing it as a landmark step towards equality and inclusion.
“The removal of extra vetting by President William Samoei Ruto in the issuance of national identity cards marked a significant step towards ensuring equal treatment for all Kenyans. For the people of North Eastern Kenya, it lifted a long-standing barrier and reaffirmed their right to access government services without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.
Mr. Gedi called on National Government Administration Officers, particularly chiefs, to intensify efforts to ensure every eligible resident obtains a national identity card.
He urged chiefs to strengthen initiatives aimed at increasing the issuance of national identity cards by mobilising eligible residents to apply, facilitating the collection of unclaimed IDs, and improving coordination to make registration services more accessible across Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region.
He also encouraged chiefs to continue creating public awareness on the importance of national identity cards and assisting residents throughout the application process.
“A national identity card is the gateway to government services, economic opportunities, and full participation in our country’s democratic process,” he said.
Mr. Gedi further appealed to young people who have attained the age of 18 to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise, noting that a national identity card enables citizens to access education opportunities, employment, financial services, and government empowerment programmes.
He stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in elections and governance.
“I also call upon every eligible resident of Garissa County and the larger Northern Kenya region to apply for a national identity card, collect any unclaimed ID, and register as a voter. These are not only civic responsibilities but also important expressions of citizenship and inclusion,” he said.
He added that once eligible citizens obtain their national identity cards, they should register as voters when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) opens voter registration, saying young people have the power to influence leadership and drive development through the ballot.
“Leadership is determined at the ballot box. If young people want better education, employment opportunities, improved healthcare, infrastructure, and inclusive development, they must first secure their national identity cards and register as voters,” he said.
Mr. Gedi underscored the need to boost national ID registration, encourage the collection of unclaimed identity cards, and increase voter registration across Garissa County and the wider North Eastern region.
He said strengthening civic participation would ensure that every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s democratic and socio-economic development.
