ID reforms expanding access to gov't services, PS Omollo says

Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, brother of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, in Ugunja, Siaya County, Dr. Omollo said President William Ruto had directed that all eligible Kenyans be issued with identification documents without unnecessary obstacles.

He said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is implementing the directive fairly and without discrimination to ensure every Kenyan can access government services and fully participate in national development.

"Access to identification documents is about citizenship, inclusion and dignity. No Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack an identity document," he said.

Dr. Omollo noted that many adults across the country still lack national identity cards and voter registration cards, limiting their access to government services and economic opportunities. He said the ongoing registration drive seeks to ensure every eligible Kenyan is counted, represented and able to benefit from national development programmes.

He added that the reforms form part of President Ruto's broader agenda of promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring no region or community is left behind.

The PS also highlighted progress in strengthening government service delivery through the operationalisation of new administrative units across the country.

In Siaya County, he announced that Sikalame Division is being operationalised, with the newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner expected to assume office next week. He added that recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly created locations and sub-locations is already underway.

Dr. Omollo acknowledged that Siaya has fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties and said consultations involving the Ministry, local leaders and the county leadership had agreed to prioritise the county during the next phase of gazettement of new administrative units.

"Bringing government closer to the people remains a key priority. We want wananchi to access services conveniently and efficiently without travelling long distances," he said.

On healthcare, the PS urged residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that Siaya's registration rate currently stands at 52 per cent. While commending the progress made, he called on leaders and residents to intensify mobilization efforts to increase enrolment under the Government's universal healthcare programme.

Paying tribute to the late Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, Dr. Omollo described him as a distinguished educationist whose dedication to teaching and mentorship positively impacted generations of learners and families.

He urged parents to continue investing in education, describing it as the greatest equaliser and a key driver of social and economic transformation.

The PS noted that the Government has invested heavily in the education sector, including expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and skills development programmes aimed at equipping young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Omollo also cautioned against the growing trend of political leaders exploiting young people to engage in violence and unrest.

"Young people should never allow themselves to be used to settle political scores. Their energy and talents should be directed towards education, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building," he said.

He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to inclusive development, improved service delivery and national unity, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration will continue implementing programmes that ensure every Kenyan has an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country's development.

The burial ceremony was attended by ODM Party leader Senator Oburu Odinga, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang'ombe, Ugunja MP Moses Omondi, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang'o), Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, and other national and county leaders.