6160 identification cards and 2200 passports remain uncollected at the Eldoret National Registration Bureau offices and the Passport Processing Center.
This was noted during an oversight meeting between the Administration and Internal Security Committee and officials from the National Registration Bureau and the Passport Processing Center, raising concerns over access to identification documents and low collection rates.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale, in his brief, said the office faces a number of challenges including limited resources, transport constraints, and processing delays.
Director of Immigration Morris Anyanga highlighted issues of office accommodation, power interruptions, staff welfare, delayed validation cases, and inadequate communication equipment as some of the challenges facing the Eldoret office.
A key concern raised during the engagement with the NRB is the issue of individuals holding multiple birth certificates, which leads to duplication of records and prevents some applicants from being issued national IDs.
The Regional Coordinator Aileen Manali called for integration of registration systems and possible legal reforms to address the anomaly, urging legislators to deliberate further on the matter.
The officials noted that ID processing takes about two weeks with digital capture, but can take up to two months manually due to centralized printing in Nairobi.
Ms. Manali said all six sub-counties are operational but face challenges including lack of transport, office space, and mobile registration kits.
The Committee, led by the Vice Chairperson Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Dido Rasso, noted the concerns raised by both offices and assured them that they will take them into consideration.
By Anthony Solly
