Kisii Residents Urged to Register for IDs, SHA and Voter Cards Ahead of Elections
about 10,000 new voters have so far been registered in Nyamache and Sameta, but the area is targeting an additional 40,000 voters
By Monica Nashon
Residents of Nyamache and Sameta sub-counties in Kisii County have been urged to acquire national identity cards and register as voters to avoid being locked out of essential government services and future elections.
Speaking in Nyamache during a meeting with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), Principal secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Stephen Isaboke said the discussions focused on development issues and the need to ensure residents are properly registered for key government services.
Isaboke said obtaining a national identity card is particularly important for young people turning 18, noting that lack of the document can limit access to employment opportunities, travel and other essential services.
“If someone reaches 18 and they don’t have an ID, they can’t do anything, including getting jobs or travelling,” Isaboke said.
The meeting, attended by NGAO officers led by the Deputy County Commissioners for Nyamache and Sameta, also reviewed voter registration and national ID registration in the two sub-counties.
According to Isaboke, about 10,000 new voters have so far been registered in Nyamache and Sameta, but the area is targeting an additional 40,000 voters as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
He called on chiefs and other local administrators to use public barazas to sensitise residents on the importance of voter registration and exercising their civic rights.
“We have agreed with the chiefs that they should announce during barazas that people need to exercise their civic duty by registering as voters so that they can participate in the general elections,” Isaboke said.
Isaboke also encouraged residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying increased registration would help more people access government-supported healthcare services.
He further noted that the national ID registration process has been made faster, with applicants able to receive their identification documents within 24 to 48 hours in some cases.
The government officials urged residents, particularly young people who have recently attained the age of 18, to take advantage of the registration services and ensure they are not left behind in accessing government services or participating in civic processes.
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