Many senior citizens in Siaya County have received national identity cards for the first time in their lives, bringing relief and joy after decades of waiting.
The exercise was carried out through a government-led mobile registration program aimed at helping elderly people who had never owned IDs or had lost them many years ago.
The registration took place in areas such as Alego Usonga, where mobile teams from the National Registration Bureau visited villages and local health centres.
One of the registration points was at Lunyu Dispensary, where elderly residents turned up in large numbers. Officials gave priority to older applicants, some of whom needed assistance to walk or fill in forms.
For many of the seniors, the lack of an ID card had caused serious challenges. Without the document, they could not vote, open bank accounts, register SIM cards, or access important government services.
Some were also unable to benefit from social protection programs or register for the Social Health Authority, which requires national identification.
Several elderly residents shared that they had lost their IDs many years ago, some as early as the 1970s and 1980s, while others never applied due to lack of information, long distances to registration centres, or strict requirements at the time.
Over the years, repeated attempts to replace the documents were unsuccessful, leaving them excluded from many aspects of public life.
The current exercise is part of a wider government effort to ensure all Kenyans have legal identification. The government has introduced mobile registration units to reach remote areas and has also waived fees for first-time ID applicants and replacements.
This move has made it easier for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, to apply without financial strain.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, saying it restores dignity to older citizens and allows them to fully participate in national affairs.
Many seniors expressed happiness and relief, saying they finally feel recognised as citizens of Kenya.
The issuance of IDs to senior citizens in Siaya marks an important step toward inclusion. It highlights the need for continued outreach to ensure no Kenyan is left behind due to lack of identification, regardless of age or past challenges.
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