Kenyans applying for their first national identity cards can now do so at selected Huduma Centres across the country. This new government initiative aims to make ID registration more convenient and accessible, bringing the service closer to citizens who previously had to travel long distances to registration offices.
In a notice dated November 7, Huduma Kenya announced that several centres had begun offering first-time ID registration services. This marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to essential public services.
Some of the participating centres include Baringo, Busia, Eldoret, Garissa, Kiambu, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Narok, and Machakos, among others. Citizens are encouraged to visit the nearest participating Huduma Centre with the required documents including a birth certificate and a parent’s or guardian’s ID to initiate their applications.
Previously, first-time applicants were required to visit the National Registration Bureau offices located within county commissioners’ offices. The integration of this service into Huduma Centres is expected to reduce congestion and speed up processing times.
The national ID remains one of the most important documents in Kenya, serving as proof of citizenship and an essential requirement for accessing government and private services such as education, healthcare, employment, banking, and mobile registration.
Established in 2013, Huduma Centres have transformed public service delivery by offering over 60 government services under one roof including KRA PIN registration, NHIF and NSSF services, police clearance certificates, and passport applications.
The programme, managed under the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, continues to receive regional recognition for innovation in service delivery. By introducing first-time ID registration, Huduma Kenya reinforces its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction.
