By Jabali Digital
The Ministry of Education has launched the second term school-based national Identification (ID) registration exercise.
The May–August 2025 exercise will be conducted in collaboration with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.
As such, all eligible secondary school students who have attained the age of 18 will be registered for national identity cards within their schools.
Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary (PS) for basic education in a directive dated May 29, 2025, addressed to all regional and county directors of education urged them to ensure the exercise is successfully conducted in their areas of jurisdiction.
“Please also inform the principals that for the purposes of this exercise, they or their deputies will serve as the identification agents for their students in place of National Government Administration Officers (NGAO),” Bitok noted.
The initiative, he added, will enable students to seamlessly transition into tertiary education, employment and access financial aid such as Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Taking to social media, some Kenyans supported the move while others denounced it.
Here is a sample:
Paul Achayo: This secure and trusted identification verification for our students will in no doubt make it easy for all our citizens to seamlessly acquire this very important document and avoid the difficult back and forth process and challenges that they face when trying to get it after school.
It also gives our students an opportunity to register as voters and be able to participate in future elections and put the right leadership in place.
Gabriel Ochieng: This is always a noble initiative that always relieves students from the bustle and hustle of looking for this important document after school. Kudos.
Heri Mtetezi Wa Haki: We are not so gullible, just say to enable them vote in the coming general election.
Zembi Kibet: Brilliant. I remember my hustle to secure that document just to access HELB and open an account. I had to part with something.
Luke K Njuguna: Your reason behind the initiative is questionable as well as discriminative/oppressive to the young (under 18) yet they will be sitting for the exams on the same dates…Do you mean those who will complete their Form 4 education without having attained 18years will not have an opportunity to get Helb on time, no placement?