By Andrew Kariuki

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed private entities holding national identity cards as collateral to release them immediately or face prosecution.

Speaking in Kitui County during the inauguration of Nuu Sub-County on April 8, Murkomen raised concern over reports that many Kenyans lack access to their ID cards not because they failed to register, but because the documents are being withheld by institutions over unpaid bills or debts.

He cited hospitals, shops, money lenders and entertainment establishments among those retaining IDs as security for payments.

“A national ID is not a legal tender and cannot be used for the exchange of goods or services,” Murkomen said.

The CS instructed affected individuals to retrieve their documents, adding that anyone denied access should report the matter to the nearest police station.

“I have directed that every Kenyan whose ID is being held by any institution should go and collect it. If the ID is denied, the individual should report the matter to the nearest police station,” he said.

Murkomen warned that individuals or entities found holding IDs as collateral risk facing legal action.

The directive comes amid concerns over the number of uncollected identity cards across the country, with the government indicating that at least 152,398 IDs remain at Huduma Centres awaiting collection.

The issue also arises as voter registration efforts intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, with authorities urging Kenyans to ensure they have access to their identification documents.