A national identity card registration exercise launched in Kericho County has already registered 149 students from Kericho Day Secondary School. The drive forms part of a Presidential Directive Programme jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior and the National Registration Bureau.

Officials described the initiative as a critical step in ensuring that eligible secondary school learners are not left without official identification. Kericho County Director of Education Julius Ngoneshi called the programme a golden opportunity, explaining that a national ID is required for HELB loans, university and TVET applications, passport acquisition and other essential services. County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo noted that the recent removal of the vetting requirement has significantly simplified the process, allowing students to register more quickly.

The exercise will expand across the county’s six sub-counties before wider national rollout. Education stakeholders have long pointed out that many students complete secondary school without identity documents, creating barriers to further education and formal employment. By targeting learners while they are still in school, the government aims to close this gap early.

The programme aligns with broader efforts to support the Competency-Based Curriculum transition and youth empowerment. Officials stressed that possession of a national ID enables young people to participate more fully in the country’s socio-economic life. Similar registration exercises are expected in other counties in the coming weeks. Parents, teachers and school administrators have been encouraged to support the process so that no eligible student is overlooked.

The collaboration between education and interior ministries demonstrates a coordinated approach to a practical administrative challenge. As the first cohort of students receives their IDs, attention will turn to monitoring uptake rates and addressing any remaining logistical hurdles so that the benefits reach learners nationwide.