Government announces abolishment of vetting during ID application
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Ruto government announces removal of vetting during ID application before May for some communities
Ruto government announces removal of vetting during ID application before May for some communities.
President William Ruto has announced the abolishment of vetting during the national ID card application process for members of certain ethnic groups starting May 2024.
Speaking at an Iftar Dinner which he hosted at State House on Monday, April 8, the Head of State noted that the removal was done following complaints by Muslim leaders who described the process as discriminatory.
The process involves the applicants, often Asians, Arabs, and Nubians who are not considered ‘indigenous’ communities, being required to provide proof of Kenyan citizenship to be issued with ID cards.
It has for years sparked condemnation as the government is accused of ethnic and religious discrimination.
He asserted that the country needed to have one process that would apply to all Kenyans irrespective of their ethnicity or religious background.
According to the President, the removal of the vetting will also be detailed in a national policy that is being drafted by the national government.
“Every Kenyan should be treated equally. We have changed the old policy and have concluded the policy documents. Beginning May this year, there will no longer be vetting for people who want to get their IDs,” the president told Muslim leaders.
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“I will issue a policy document to ensure we have a mechanism similar to other Kenyans and don’t discriminate on the basis of religion or region.”
Such persons comprise Kenyans of Somali, Arab, Nubian and Asian backgrounds.
During the ID application process, once they attain 18 years of age, government officials in registration bureau offices ask them for extra birth certificates such as their parents and grandparents.
A 2011 report by the U.S.-based Open Society Justice Initiative found that since vetting was introduced in the 1990s, many of these people have not acquired national IDs.
Meanwhile, some of those who have acquired theirs admitted to lying that they belong to another ethnic group or about their name to avoid being vetted.
Additionally, Ruto also cautioned schools against discriminating against students based on religion noting that the government will not hesitate to take action against those institutions.
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