President Ruto Fulfills Pledge to End Extra-Vetting for Border Communities
On June 8, 2022, while addressing the nation, President Ruto made a firm commitment to eliminate the long-standing barriers that had denied many Kenyans their constitutional right to identification.
Cabinet Secretary for Forestry, Environment and Climate Change Aden Duale. Photo/Aden Duale.
President William Samoei Ruto has honored his 2022 campaign pledge by officially ending the controversial extra-vetting process for national identity documents, a practice that disproportionately affected border communities, particularly in the North Eastern Region.
On June 8, 2022, while addressing the nation, President Ruto made a firm commitment to eliminate the long-standing barriers that had denied many Kenyans their constitutional right to identification.
True to his word, on February 5, 2025, the President issued an executive decree to abolish the discriminatory vetting process, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their region, can access their national identity documents without undue obstacles.
For years, communities residing near Kenya’s borders, especially in counties such as Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, faced stringent scrutiny when applying for identification cards.
This additional vetting process often led to delays, unnecessary bureaucracy, and in some cases, outright denial of citizenship rights. The policy had long been criticized for fostering exclusion and marginalization.
The directive has been widely welcomed by leaders and civil society groups advocating for equal treatment in identity registration. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Forestry and Environment and a leader from the North Eastern Region, hailed the President’s move as a milestone in addressing historical injustices.
“This is a demonstration of leadership that stands by its word. Our communities have suffered for decades under unfair vetting procedures. Today marks a new beginning for inclusivity and equal rights,” Duale stated.
Other political figures and human rights organizations have also lauded the decision, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening national unity and ensuring all citizens are accorded their rightful recognition.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) praised the government for upholding the principles of equality and non-discrimination, calling on authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the directive.
Speaking during the official announcement, President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to fair governance and the protection of fundamental rights.
“Every Kenyan deserves the dignity of recognition. By abolishing this unnecessary vetting process, we are reaffirming our dedication to justice, fairness, and national cohesion,” he remarked.
As the government moves to implement this directive, relevant agencies have been tasked with streamlining the identification process and ensuring affected individuals receive their documents promptly.
The move is expected to significantly enhance the socio-economic participation of previously marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive national identity system.
With this latest policy shift, President Ruto’s administration continues to emphasize its commitment to delivering on promises and fostering a more equitable society for all Kenyans.
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