The government has called on all foreign nationals residing in Kenya to register and obtain official documentation, warning that non-compliance hampers law enforcement and restricts movement within the country.
Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang said while a majority of foreign residents hold valid papers, a concerning number—particularly regional migrants—continue to bypass established immigration protocols.
Speaking in Bomet during national celebrations to mark International Identification Day, Dr. Kipsang expressed concern over the deliberate disregard for registration rules, specifically highlighting individuals from neighboring East African Community (EAC) member states.
”While we embrace regional integration and the free movement of people, integration must exist within the framework of national law. Every foreigner living, working, or conducting business in Kenya must be properly registered to ensure their own security and ease their day-to-day activities,” Dr. Kipsang said.
To streamline the process, the State Department for Immigration has launched a nationwide registration drive designed to help undocumented foreigners regularize their status. Dr. Kipsang moved to dispel rumors of an impending roundup, clarifying that the campaign is an administrative facilitation exercise rather than a hostile crackdown.
”There is no cause for alarm or panic. The government is not targeting any community or nationality for harassment or arbitrary deportation. This initiative is strictly meant to bring everyone under a legitimate registry for better planning, service delivery, and national security,” he added.
The event also focused on local documentation challenges, with regional leaders urging eligible youth to secure national identity cards.
Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Aurelia Rono underscored the importance of civic identification, noting that thousands of young people miss out on government services, employment, and bursaries due to lack of IDs.
Bomet County Commissioner Caroline Nzwili echoed the sentiments, directing local chiefs and assistant chiefs to track down uncollected identity cards sitting at administrative offices and ensure they reach the owners.
