It is the right of every Kenyan attaining 18 years of age to register and be issued with a National Identity Card (ID). A National Identity Card represents ‘proof’ of Kenyan citizenship. Without ID, an individual cannot vote, buy property, open a bank account or obtain employment. Many residents of Coast and Northeastern, particularly, the youth find themselves arrested by the police for lack of ID or failure to carry one when travelling by road or air.

It is not easy to access critical documents like the Identity Card, birth certificates and or passport for citizens from this region. Discrimination in the issuance of Identity Cards against residents of Coast and northern Kenya, particularly those of Arab and Somali ethnic origin.

Applying for registration for youths who have reached the age of majority in Coast and north-eastern Kenya is like swimming against the currents in a crocodile infested river. There are too many prohibitive conditions like being asked to produce documents that are not provided for in law.

Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP) has been facilitating ID Clinics in partnership with the registrar of person and other relevant departments to ensure a youth is registered and all processes done including vetting at one stop clinic. The process enables youths to get ID cards faster and much smoother process.

We are targeting 1000 people to support us with $5 that will facilitate 25 ID clinics in Lamu, Kilifi, Tanariver and Kwale where at least each Clinic will have 50 youths’ women and girls registered for IDs. At least 1,250 youths will benefit from the process.