Why Kenyan Elders Want Gov't to Remove 'Birth Location' Details from National IDs

The newly formed Elders Association of Kenya (EAK) has asked the Kenyan government to make changes to personal details contained in the national Identity Cards (IDs)

The elders group wants the Registration of Persons department to to review national identity cards and remove information such as ‘birth location’, which they argue that it promotes tribalism in the country.

Speaking during the launch of the association in Nairobi, the group said the proposed changes on the IDs would be key to ending tribalism.

Martin Kinyanjui, a founding member of the association, said the elders drawn from all communities in the country formed the umbrella body in a bid promote national cohesion and integration.

“The association was to be formed in the years 2016 but because we never wanted to be branded as political, we waited for the conclusion of the elections,” said Kinyanjui.

“We would like the Kenyan Identification Cards to be changed and place of birth and location to be removed as they bring about tribalism.”

“The association through its internship program shall work towards rehabilitating Kenyan youth who have fallen victim to drug abuse. We shall work with the Government to fulfill the Big Four agenda because what we want is peace and development within the country.”