Ruto’s Executive Order Ends Discriminatory ID Vetting
President William Ruto has announced a groundbreaking executive order to eliminate the compulsory vetting process for Identification Card (ID) applicants in the northeastern region of Kenya. The decision, set to take effect immediately, aims to ensure that all Kenyans receive equal treatment when applying for national identification documents.
The announcement came during Ruto’s visit to Mandera on February 4, where he addressed concerns raised by residents of six counties: Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Tana River, Isiolo, and Marsabit. The President acknowledged that the vetting process, in place for decades, had unfairly targeted certain communities, particularly those of Somali heritage. This move is expected to bring relief to thousands who have struggled with documentation issues.
Longstanding Discrimination in ID Issuance
For years, residents of northeastern Kenya have faced an unfair and cumbersome vetting process when applying for ID cards. Many citizens have expressed frustration over excessive questioning and delays that do not apply to other regions of the country. The process has often been marred by bureaucratic inefficiencies, leading to unnecessary hardships for applicants.
During his speech in Mandera, President Ruto stated that the practice must come to an end. He emphasized that Kenyan citizens, regardless of their ethnic background, should not face additional scrutiny when accessing their legal rights.
According to Ruto, the executive order will ensure that all Kenyan children, no matter where they are born, will be treated equally under the law. This move is expected to streamline the application process, reducing bureaucratic obstacles that have long hindered the affected communities. By doing so, the government hopes to foster national unity and inclusivity.
Support from Government Leaders
Ruto’s decision received widespread support from various government officials, including Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale. As a leader from the northeastern region, Duale has been vocal about the discrimination his community has faced for decades.
He praised the President for taking decisive action, highlighting that previous governments had failed to address the issue. Duale emphasized that residents of the six counties had endured unnecessary challenges simply due to their heritage. He pointed out that many young people had been unable to secure employment or travel due to the lack of identification documents.
“The governments of Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta did not resolve this matter. President Ruto has done what none of them achieved,” Duale stated.
Regional Development Plans
In addition to abolishing discriminatory vetting, Ruto’s visit to the region also included other key development initiatives. Among them is the launch of a passport issuance office in Mandera, which aims to make it easier for residents to obtain travel documents without traveling to Nairobi or other major cities. This office is expected to benefit thousands who have previously faced logistical challenges.
Duale further urged the President to prioritize electricity supply in the region before the beginning of Ramadhan in March. He stressed that power shortages remain one of the biggest challenges faced by the residents. Reliable electricity supply would not only improve daily living conditions but also boost business activities and economic growth.
“We are approaching Ramadhan, and electricity in Wajir and Mandera is a major issue. We need immediate intervention to ensure residents do not suffer during this holy period,” Duale added. Many businesses and households in the region have been relying on expensive and unreliable alternative sources of power.
Commitment to Equality and Development
President Ruto reassured the people of northern Kenya that his administration is committed to treating all regions fairly. He emphasized that his government is working to provide essential services such as electricity, water, and improved infrastructure in historically marginalized areas.
The President also acknowledged the delays in the construction of the Northern Gateway road, which connects Isiolo to Mandera. He assured the residents that the project would be revived to enhance economic growth and accessibility in the region. The road, once completed, will facilitate better movement of goods and people, further integrating the region with the rest of the country.
Ruto also addressed concerns about education in the area, highlighting plans to deploy more teachers and build additional schools. He stated that every child in Kenya deserves a quality education, regardless of where they live. The government is set to allocate more resources to ensure better learning facilities in the region.
A New Chapter for Northeastern Kenya
With the executive order in place, residents of northeastern Kenya can now look forward to a more inclusive and fair identification process. Ruto’s bold decision marks a significant step toward national unity and equal rights for all Kenyan citizens, ensuring that no community faces discrimination when accessing government services.
Additionally, the President’s development plans, including improved infrastructure and access to essential services, are expected to boost economic opportunities for residents. The northeastern region has long struggled with underdevelopment, but with these measures, it may finally see progress in various sectors.
This executive order is just one of the many steps in Ruto’s broader strategy to promote inclusivity and development. As the changes take effect, the government will closely monitor the implementation process to ensure that the intended benefits reach the people who need them the most. Residents remain hopeful that these measures will lead to lasting change and equal opportunities for all Kenyans.
