Rigorous vetting awaits applicants for ID cards
What you need to know:
- Influx of foreigners has complicated issuance of IDs in northern Kenya, says administrator
Applicants for ID cards in North Eastern Province will be thoroughly vetted to ensure refugees do not get the vital document.
The influx of refugees had complicated issuance of IDs in the region, according to provincial commissioner James ole Serian.
“We also have Somalis living on the side of Somalia as far as Kismayu with Kenyan IDs. This has complicated the issuance of IDs in this province,” Mr Serian told Kenyan ambassadors who were visiting Daadab refugee camp.
He said there were claims that between 10 and 20 per cent of Garissa residents were refugees, mainly Somali citizens who fled insecurity in their country in 1991.
“Some have integrated into the local community and there are allegations that between 10 and 20 per cent of Garissa residents are refugees.”
The PC further explained: “That is why there was a lot of doubt on the population of this region as per the 2009 census.”
He accused area politicians of being behind the illegal IDs racket.
“Politicians also recruit refugees as voters due to clan politics but we have put up measures to detect such intentions,” he said.
The Immigration ministry is set to resume issuance of IDs next week.
