The Nubian community living on the outskirts of Kisii town have appealed to the government to expedite the process of issuing national identity cards to enable them access government services including Kazi Mtaani, health insurance cover, and government bursaries.
Speaking in Kisii town through a human rights activist, Hassan Omar, the community decried what they described as a rigorous process in acquiring the mandatory national Identity Card.
“We have many documents to attach, including an affidavit, school certificates, before a vetting which makes the process long and unnecessary,” said Omar.
Omar regretted that the delays even after the process left the community frustrated and urged the government to lessen their pain since majority of them were Kenya citizens by birth.
The community alleged their attempts to get the issues addressed by the relevant government officials were futile.
However, Kisii County Registrar of Persons, Donald Ouma affirmed the matter was being addressed to ensure delays were minimised.
Explaining the process of acquiring the document, Ouma said only those who qualified were able to get it but promised to look into the allegations.
The community in Kisii County also petitioned the national and county government to fastrack development of infrastructure including roads and other basic amenities to improve their living conditions.
One Lillian Atieno urged the county government to ensure there was a robust garbage disposal system to prevent disease outbreaks in the community.
“We have garbage in front of our doors as there is no designated place to dispose it of for collection which leaves us exposed to the risk of diseases such as Cholera,” Atieno lamented.
Mr Abdulrahman Ramadhan, a 28-year-old man said he does not have an identity card despite applying for it in the year 2010, an aspect he said has made many people not eligible to save money or get commercial bank loans.
“I personally cannot vote in this year’s general election because I was not able to get a voter’s card,” explained Ramadhan.
Ramadhan called upon the government to ensure there was inclusivity in all its services.
